New Delhi, Sep 20 (Bureau) A joint exercise involving the members of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) started in Orenburg of Russia on Monday. China is among the countries that will participate in the anti-terror exercise. There are eight Member States in the SCO – China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. “The aim of the exercise is to foster close relations between SCO Member States and to enhance abilities of the military leaders to command multinational military contingents,” an official statement said. The Indian military contingent participating in the exercise comprises an all arms combined force of 200 personnel from Indian Army and Indian Air force.
The opening ceremony commenced with an impressive parade by all participating contingents. The contingents were addressed by Col Gen Alexander Pavlovich Lapin, Commander Central Military District, Russian Armed Forces. The Exercise Peaceful Mission: 2021 is based on joint counter terrorism operations at operational and tactical level in an urban environment in which Armies and Air Forces of all SCO member states are participating. Over the next few days, troops will train, share and rehearse tactical drills which will culminate in a final validation exercise, where-in troops from all Armies and Air Forces will jointly undertake operations in a controlled and simulated environment. The Indian contingent was inducted to the exercise area by two IL-76 aircrafts. Prior to their departure, the contingent underwent training and preparations in India. According to the defence ministry officials the exercise will enable sharing of best practices on counter terror operations in cities between the Armed Forces of SCO nations. The scope of the exercise includes professional interaction, mutual understanding of drills and procedures, establishment of joint command and control structures and elimination of terrorist threats,