Indo-UK armies to conduct joint exercises

New Delhi, Aug 22 (UNI) For the first time ever, the Mechanised Infantry troops of the Indian Army will carry out joint training and exercises with the United Kingdom Army in Salisbury Plains (UK) between August 29 to September 19.

This is for the first time in the history of independent India that a mechanised infantry company will travel to the UK for joint training with its Army, according to the Defence Ministry.

The training will be at battalion group level and will be conducted at Land Warfare Centre in Salisbury Plains in UK.

India and UK are key strategic partners and have a close defence relationship and this exercise is a great step for both the Armies to train together and gain from each others experience.

The UK Army had earlier participated in joint training with Indian Troops in India last year and this exercise is reciprocating that visit.

The Indian contingent comprises of 126 members, of all ranks, including the command elements of the 16 Mechanical Infantry Regiment, while the British troops are from the 3rd Mercian Regiment.

Prior to conduct of joint exercises at the battalion combat group level, the company will undergo a familiarisation and inter-operability training session with the 3rd Mercian Regiment of the British Army, which is an amalgamation of old British units and has served in India during the mid 19th century.

This will be followed by two joint operational manoeuvers - 'Ex Lions Strike' and 'Ex Wessex Warrior'.

General Deepak Kapoor, who is scheduled to visit UK later in September, is also slated to witness the training and joint manoeuvers.

UNI AN BDP AS1847