WITH a thrust on counter-terrorism operations in urban and semi-urban areas, the Indian and British armies will conduct a joint military exercise at Salisbury Plain from February 13 to February 26.
This will be the fifth edition of the joint military exercise, named Ajeya Warrior-2020, which is held annually in India and the UK.
The exercise will comprise 120 soldiers each from the Indian and British armed forces, who would be “sharing their experiences” from counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations, said an official press statement on Monday (10).
Training on modern weapon systems, equipment and simulation have also been planned, it said.
Officials said the 14th Battalion of the Dogra Regiment would be representing India at Salisbury Plains. The regiment primarily consists of troops from the hill state of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining parts of Punjab and the Jammu region.
“The battalion has trained participants… in aspects of counter-terrorism operations as per the UN mandate,” said Colonel Amit Saini, Commanding Officer, 14th Battalion of the Dogra Regiment.
The participants, he added, have also been trained in combat shooting, rock craft, jungle survival and martial arts for unarmed combat.
The joint exercise highlights a “bilateral willingness” to work together and share operating procedures to deal with a situation in a specified operational setting, noted the official statement.
Dr Sunil Kumar Eastern Eye 
Dr Saraswati HosdurgaEastern Eye
