China-India Military Drill: Joint training aims to enhance counter-terrorism capabilities

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Military troops from China and India have held counter-terrorism training operations in the city of Chengdu. The joint exercise has been seen as a sign that the two largest developing countries are improving their relations. CGTN's Yang Jinghao has more.

A mission to rescue a hostage by troops from China and India. This is an important part of the joint training between the two armies underway in the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu. Codenamed "Hand-in-Hand 2018", the drill aims to strengthen their capabilities in responding to terrorism.

ZHOU JUN HEAD OF THE CHINESE COMMAND GROUP "During this training, the troops are regrouped into mixed teams. This will help both sides get familiar with each other's tactical skills, training methods and command procedures."

During the two-week military exchange, the trainees are scheduled to take part in a variety of activities, including rope-bridge crossing and combat firing.

ATUL YADAV TRAINEE FROM INDIAN ARMY "This combat firing experience has given the opportunity to both sides to enhance their combat firing skill and their experiences to undertake the counter-terrorism operation in the joint environment. Moreover, in order to achieve the synergy, the coordination, the cooperation between the two armies, we have fired each other's weapons."

LI YUHONG TRAINEE FROM CHINESE ARMY "Through this exchange with our Indian counterparts, I have improved a lot in tactics and some essential skills over the past few days. I feel more confident now."

YANG JINGHAO CHENGDU "This is the seventh counter-terrorism joint training between the Chinese and Indian armies since 2007. It's a concrete practice to implement the consensus reached between leaders of the two countries."

During their four meetings this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have indicated their willingness to strengthen cooperation in various fields. At recent border talks held in Chengdu, both countries agreed that their consensus should include frontline troops. And the two armies hail this training as a significant step.

ZHOU JUN HEAD OF THE CHINESE COMMAND GROUP "The two sides have great teamwork and get along well with each other. It has brought us closer."

PUNEET PRATAP SINGH TOMAR HEAD OF THE INDIAN COMMAND GROUP "This particular exercise, as in the past, will further our ability to operate jointly, learn from each other and finally achieve friendship between both armies."

The troops of both sides say they expect more such exchanges in the future. YJH, CGTN, Chengdu, Sichuan Province.