Article Posted on : - Oct 09, 2011

DHAKA (PTI): Elite forces of Bangladesh and India are set to launch a key joint exercise in the country's northeastern Sylhet district Sunday as part of an effort to deepen military ties and cooperation in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.

"This is the second phase of 'Op Sampriti' which is aimed to develop professional expertise of both the armies and strengthen military to military relationship," an army spokesman said.

He said the first phase of 'Op Sampriti' was held at Jorhat in Assam from November 1-4, 2010 where a 25-member Bangladesh military team was headed by a Lieutenant colonel.

Meanwhile, an Indian Air Force plane carrying 25-members of army team, led by Major SY Mahadik, reached Osmani International Airport in Sylhet from Jorhat. The special force will return home on October 23, a defence ministry statement said.

Indian Army sources earlier said the two sides would "practice counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations under the UN mandate".

India is fielding around 40 troops of its elite 21 Para (Special Forces) battalion for the exercise whereas the Bangladesh Army will deploy one of its Para Commando battalions, they said.

Around 40 to 50 troops will take part in the exercise, they said.

Indian officials in New Delhi said the two sides are aiming to further enhance their mutual understanding through increased military-to-military contacts.

Military relations between the two sides received a boost when Indian Army Chief General V K Singh visited Dhaka in 2010 and gifted howitzers and modern computers to the Bangladesh Army.