The eighth round of the India-China joint training exercise 'Hand-in-Hand-2019' began on December 7, 2019, at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya. The joint military exercise "Hand-in-Hand" began in Kunming, China in 2007, and its second edition took place in Belgaum, Karnataka, India. However, it was put on hold for the following few years. After a five-year hiatus, the practice was revived in 2013. This article explains the significance of one of the major military exercises between India and China with a UPSC examination perspective.

Exercise Hand-in-Hand: An Overview

• The Tibetan Military Command's People's Liberation Army (PLA) detachment and an Indian Army force consisting of one infantry company and supporting staff are taking part in a 14-day joint training exercise.
• The exercise will be conducted at the company level, with training overseen by the relevant Battalion Headquarters.
• During training, two tactical exercises are scheduled: a counter-terrorism scenario and humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) operations.

Goals

• The goal of the exercise is for both contingents to benefit from each other's counter-terrorism and Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) experience.
• The exercise also includes training on a variety of lectures and drills related to special heliborne operations, counter-terrorist handling and firing with each other's weapons, and case studies of a variety of counter-terrorist operations.
• Practicing joint planning
• Hold training in semi-urban terrains

Significance

The drill will send a strong message to the world that India and China are well aware of the increasing threat of terrorism and are working together to combat this global threat.

Activities

• Lectures
• Drills to handle counter-terrorism operations
• Firing training
• Special Heliborne Operations
• Case studies of various other military operations that have taken place in a counter-terrorism environment

Year Wise Editions

Defence Cooperation Between India and China

In terms of military cooperation between India and China, the following points are critical:

• On November 13, 2018, the ninth India-China Annual Defence and Security Dialogue (ADSD) was held in Beijing.
• In February 2016, the International Fleet Review was held in Visakhapatnam. Two Chinese naval ships took part in the exercise.
• The INS Kolkata and the INS Shakti, two Indian naval ships, participated in the International Fleet Review in Qingdao, Shandong, in April 2019, as part of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's 70th-anniversary festivities.
• A High-Level Dialogue Mechanism on Counter-Terrorism and Security exists between India and China. In September 2016, the mechanism convened for the first time in Beijing.

Conclusion

According to the ministry, defense and military-to-military exchanges between the two countries regained momentum in 2018-19. The Chinese defense minister's visit to India in August of last year, as well as the Defense Secretary level Annual Defense and Security Dialogue in Beijing in November, paved the way for more bilateral defense engagements and exchanges. The exercise was previously held in December last year in Chengdu, China. Company size contingents of the Indian Army’s 11 SIKHLI and a regiment from the Tibetan Military District of the People’s Liberation Army participated in the exercise.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the primary objective of the Hand-in-Hand exercise between India and China?

A) To test military capabilities

B) To improve mutual trust and cooperation in peacekeeping operations

C) To prepare for potential military confrontations

D) To strengthen naval relations

2. Which forces participate in the Hand-in-Hand exercise?

A) Air Force of India and China

B) Naval forces of India and China

C) Army forces of India and China

D) Special Forces of India and China

3. How does the Hand-in-Hand exercise contribute to regional stability?

A) By promoting military competition

B) By improving diplomatic relations and cooperation between India and China

C) By encouraging arms development

D) By focusing on space cooperation

4. Which area of cooperation is emphasized in the Hand-in-Hand exercise?

A) Space exploration

B) Counter-terrorism and peacekeeping

C) Oceanic navigation

D) Military space operations

5. How frequently is the Hand-in-Hand exercise conducted?

A) Bi-annually

B) Annually

C) Once every five years

D) Once every decade

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: How can bilateral military exercises like Hand-in-Hand improve diplomatic relations between countries?

Answer: Bilateral military exercises such as Hand-in-Hand play a crucial role in improving diplomatic relations between countries. They foster mutual understanding and trust between the armed forces of participating nations. These exercises facilitate communication, ensure transparency in military capabilities, and help resolve tactical differences. The training conducted in such exercises, especially in areas like counter-terrorism and peacekeeping, creates a collaborative environment, reduces misunderstandings, and promotes peaceful coexistence. Furthermore, the joint efforts in managing security challenges such as insurgencies and terrorism strengthen overall bilateral relations and contribute to regional and global peace.

Q2: Assess the importance of China-India military cooperation through the Hand-in-Hand exercise in enhancing regional stability.

Answer: The China-India military cooperation through the Hand-in-Hand exercise is essential for enhancing regional stability in South Asia. Given the complex history between the two nations, the exercise offers a platform to build confidence, reduce tensions, and address security challenges collaboratively. It strengthens bilateral ties by promoting transparency and improving military-to-military communication, which is crucial for preventing conflicts. Moreover, as both countries share borders with other nations in the region, cooperation between their military forces can be vital for addressing cross-border terrorism and promoting peacekeeping efforts. Thus, the exercise fosters not only bilateral stability but also contributes to broader regional peace.

Q3: Discuss the strategic significance of India-China military exercises in the context of their evolving relationship.

Answer: The strategic significance of India-China military exercises, particularly the Hand-in-Hand exercise, lies in their potential to positively influence the evolving relationship between the two countries. Despite their differences, particularly in border issues, these exercises provide a platform for constructive engagement. They help mitigate military confrontations, improve understanding, and create a conducive environment for diplomatic solutions. Additionally, these exercises emphasize cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, a shared concern for both nations. As both countries rise as global powers, their military cooperation in exercises also holds importance in shaping their regional and international influence, ensuring stability and peace in the Asia-Pacific region.

Previous Year Questions on Hand in Hand Exercise

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2018:

Question: Which of the following is the focus of the Hand-in-Hand exercise between India and China?

A) Naval operations
B) Space technology
C) Counter-terrorism and peacekeeping
D) Cybersecurity

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The Hand-in-Hand exercise focuses on counter-terrorism, peacekeeping operations, and enhancing military cooperation. It does not cover areas like naval operations or space technology.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2017:

Question: What role do bilateral military exercises like Hand-in-Hand play in fostering India-China relations?

Answer: The Hand-in-Hand exercise plays a significant role in fostering positive relations between India and China by providing a platform for the armed forces of both nations to engage in joint training. It enhances military cooperation, builds mutual trust, and promotes peacekeeping collaboration, which helps in addressing regional security issues.