Indian Military Contingent Participates In Sixth Edition Of SCO Counter-Terrorism Exercise In Russia

The Indian military contingent comprising 200 personnel from the tri-services is participating in the joint counter-terrorism Exercise PEACEFUL MISSION-2021, which is being held in Russia.

PEACEFUL MISSION is a Multilateral Exercise, which is conducted biennially as part of military diplomacy between Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states.

The sixth edition of Exercise PEACEFUL MISSION is being hosted by Russia in the Orenburg Region of South West Russia from 13 to 25 September.

The aim of the exercise is to foster close relations between SCO member states and to enhance abilities of the military leaders to command multi-national military contingents, the Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday (15 September).

The Indian contingent was inducted to the exercise area by two IL-76 aircraft, the ministry said.

Prior to their departure, the contingent underwent training and preparation under the aegis of South Western Command.

The exercise will enable sharing of best practices between the armed forces of SCO nations. It will also provide an opportunity to the armed forces of SCO nations to train in counter-terrorism Operations in an urban scenario in a multinational and joint environment, the ministry said.

The scope of the exercise includes professional interaction, mutual understanding of drills and procedures, establishment of joint command & control structures and elimination of terrorist threats, it added.