India-China military venture—joint yoga at 16,900 feet

Ajay Banerjee
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 21

In an unusual event that marks the slowly growing trust between India and China, troops of both sides carried out a joint yoga session at an altitude of 16,900 feet  at Daulat Beg Oldie in Eastern Ladakh. 

India had invited Chinese troops for the yoga session to mark the International Yoga Day. Sources said the Chinese accepted the invite on Wednesday night.

There is a border-personnel meeting point at DBO on Indian side and Tien Wein Dien across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) the de-facto border. 

Notably, in April 2013, troops of both sides had been locked in an intense stand at Raki Nallah in same sector known as Sub-sector North (SSN) in military circles.

Sources said People's Liberation Army (PLA) confirmed its participation last night over the telephonic hotline at the local level at DBO. 

A total of 21 Chinese soldiers turned up for the event. The temperature was sub-zero when the yoga session was done. After the event, PLA troops gave return-gifts, including a pencil sketch. Another visiting trooper played the guitar. Tea and snacks followed.

Troops of both sides participated in the event with great enthusiasm and displayed bonhomie between the two great armies.  

During the Yoga session, a talk was also given on importance of Yoga for health, well being and inner balance at High Altitude.