Indian and Chinese military troops to take part in joint drill on LAC

In a joint military exercise, Indian and Chinese troops will be meeting for the first time on Line of Actual Control (LAC), the heavily manned, disputed border of the two countries, which has been the reason for several armed face-offs and the 1962 Indo-China war.

The move is aimed at building confidence among Indian and Chinese soldiers who patrol the LAC. As a part of the plan, local garrisons will be taking part in a tactical exercise focusing on cooperation in disaster management. This exercise would be the first time that frequent patrolling troops from both countries will be meeting for a military drill.

Senior officials from the Indian Army told ET that the joint exercise would be starting within a few weeks, and that the first phase would take place on the Chinese side of LAC. In the near future, such tactical exercises would become a regular feature, and the next phase would take place on the Indian side.

For the first exercise, Chushul has been chosen as the location, which played a significant part in the 1962 border war, with some fiercest engagements. It was one of the few places where Indian troops had managed to push back Chinese soldiers.

"The first engagement will be on disaster relief and is aimed at building confidence. Local commanders will exchange notes and the first exercise will be followed by one on the Indian side. The modalities and the date for the exercise are being finalised," a senior official told ET.

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