Bangladesh-China to conduct joint military training, India will keep an eye

The Chinese and Bangladeshi armies will conduct a joint military training, China‍‍`s Ministry of National Defense said Thursday, reports Chinese media Xinhua.

According to the consensus reached between the two sides, the Chinese People‍‍`s Liberation Army (PLA) will dispatch a contingent to Bangladesh in early May to participate in the joint training, according to the ministry.

This joint training, based on United Nations peacekeeping anti-terrorism operations, will involve both sides utilizing an integrated training approach. They will jointly organize exercises such as the rescue of hostages on buses and the clean-up of terrorist camps.

This marks the first joint training ever between the Chinese and Bangladeshi armies, the ministry said, noting that such activity is conducive to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two militaries and deepening practical exchanges and cooperation.

Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Indian external affairs ministry, faced questions on the report in his regular press briefing on Thursday.

He said: “Regarding your questions about joint military exercise, as you heard me speak about it several times from this podium: We keep a close watch on all developments that happen in our neighbourhood and beyond, which impact our interests, economic and security interests and we take appropriate measures accordingly.”