21 October 2016•Update: 21 October 2016
By Zahid Rafiq
SRINAGAR, Indian-held Kashmir
India and China carried out a first-of-its-kind joint army exercise in disputed Indian-held Kashmir on Wednesday amid diplomatic tussles over several issues, including China’s growing closeness to Pakistan and its stand on Kashmir.
The joint drill, a day-long exercise in humanitarian aid and disaster relief during a mock earthquake in Ladakh, Kashmir, saw the two forces carry out practice rescue and evacuation operations and medical assistance. Wednesday’s drill was a sequel to the first joint exercise in February in eastern Ladakh in Chinese territory.
“The exercise was a great success and has not only refined the drills to provide succour to the border population in case of natural calamity but has also increased the level of trust and cooperation between the two border guarding forces along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh,” the Indian Army said in a statement.
India and China share a border in several regions, some with long-festering border disputes, including Ladakh. According to the Indian media, Chinese forces have staged a number of incursions into Ladakh in the past.
While the drill itself is of little importance, it is being seen in India as a break in the stormy diplomatic relations between India and its larger and more powerful neighbor, China.
India was defeated when it went to war with China for one month in fall 1962, and ever since, China has maintained its military, economic, and diplomatic supremacy over India.
During ongoing hostilities between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, China has unwaveringly stood behind Pakistan and its positions.
Interestingly, with China openly supporting Pakistan’s stand on Kashmir, Chinese flags were seen for the first time waving amid the Independent Kashmir and Pakistan flags in pro-independence protests last week.
