New Delhi, Nov 8: The Sixth edition of India-Bangladesh Joint Military Exercise “SAMPRITI-2016” commenced at Bangabandhu Senanibas, Tangail on Monday. Main focus of this edition of the fourteen day joint exercise which will terminate on 18 Nov 2016 is on Counter-Terrorism Operations in mountainous and jungle terrain under the United Nations Mandate. To achieve interoperability in joint operations the troops from both sides would acquaint themselves with respective approach of the two armies towards the conduct of such operations. A comprehensive training programme spanning 14 days has been drawn up for the purpose. A Company Group of The MAHAR Regiment is representing the Indian Contingent.
In the initial stages, both armies would familiarize each other in various tactical drills and procedures. They will thereafter graduate to execution of joint tactical operations like Cordon and Search, Road Opening, Raid and House Clearance.
SAMPRITI series of bilateral exercises is one of the major bilateral defence cooperation initiatives between India and Bangladesh. The previous joint exercise with the Bangladesh Army was conducted successfully in the year 2015 at Binnaguri, West Bengal in India. The Indian Contingent is scheduled to return to India on termination of the Exercise in the third week of November 2016.