Indian, Chinese forces to exercise side by side

New Delhi, August 26

A combined tri-services contingent from India will take part in a 12-day military exercise in Russia. Two of India’s edgy neighbours — China and Pakistan — will also be part of the exercise scheduled from September 15 to 26.

The Indian contingent of around 200 officers and troops will take part in the ‘Kavkaz 2020’ (Caucasus 2020), a “strategic command-post exercise” in the Astrakhan region.

Since early May, India and China are locked in a tense military standoff in Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The two sides were involved in a skirmish in the Galwan valley, leading to casualties on both sides on June 15.

India’s participation will be of a company-level strength (around 180 troops from an infantry battalion). Elements of the Indian Air Force and observers from the Indian Navy will also be going.

China is sending a large contingent along with three ships for the exercise. “Our troops are going for a multilateral exercise where 18 countries are participating. It’s not an India-China-Pakistan event. In total, 13,000 troops will participate,” said an official here. — TNS

Military drill in Russia

• Around 200 Indian troops will attend ‘Kavkaz 2020’ in Russia from September 15 to 26
• China is sending a large contingent besides three ships. Pakistan will take part too
• The exercise involves offensive and defensive ops against international terror outfits