The Sampriti Exercise is a bilateral defense cooperation exercise between India and Bangladesh's armies. It is considered a part of the Indo-Bangladesh defense cooperation. Sampriti has nine editions, the most recent of which took place in Meghalaya from February 3 to February 16, 2020. This article will explain to you about Sampriti which will be helpful in preparing for the International Relations in UPSC Civil Services Examination.

What is Sampriti Exercise?

• Sampriti Exercise began in 2009 as a joint military exercise between the armies of India and Bangladesh.
• In the wake of Indo-Bangladesh defense cooperation, Sampriti aims to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries.
• In 2020, the ninth and most recent edition of the Sampriti exercise took place.
• The Sampriti exercise is alternately hosted by both countries.
• It was held in Bangladesh in 2019, with India hosting the event in 2020.

SAMPRITI IX

• Command Post Exercise (CPX) and Field Training Exercise (FTX) was held during Sampriti-IX.
  • CPX – It is a military exercise that focuses on the battle-readiness of troops while focusing on predetermined events.
  • FTX – It is a military exercise in which military units participate in training, drills, and other exercises in order to improve their defense capabilities.
• The Sampriti exercise includes training and exercises that take place in simulated UN-mandated environments.
• The FTX curriculum acquaints troops from both armies with the organizational structure and tactical drills of the other.
• The exercise usually concludes with a final validation exercise in which both troops simulate a counter-terrorism operation in a safe environment.
• Apart from defense cooperation, the Sampriti exercise aims to foster mutual trust and friendship between the two countries.
• In Sampriti IX, each country sent 42 officers and jawans (20th Bihar Regiment and 42nd Bangladesh Infantry Regiment).

Significance of Sampriti Exercise

• Training exercises aid in the comprehension of both theoretical and fundamental aspects of operations and technology.
• Military exercises, on the other hand, are based on the application of theoretical knowledge in real-time and are thus the most advanced type of military training.
• The guiding idea of militaries planning operations against a shared enemy or in common geographic places is "train together to fight together."
• For the attainment of laid-down objectives, all elements of any military alliance must have flawless interoperability in terms of communications, protocols, and procedures.
  • As a result, multinational military exercises are being planned to maintain interoperability across diverse aspects of military alliances like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's forces (NATO).
• Countries having similar perspectives and goals, but not necessarily connected by an alliance, may be forced to pool military resources for a shared cause. Joint military drills are also recommended for such eventualities.

List of Sampriti Exercises

Conclusion

The Indian armed services must continue to hold international military exercises in India as well as take part in similar exercises in other nations. The benefits of engaging with other countries would greatly surpass the benefits of working with the same partners repeatedly. To make the overall process of military engagement more effective, India must gradually organize multiservice and multinational exercises with a broader scope.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the primary focus of the Sampriti military exercise?

A) Maritime security

B) Counterterrorism and peacekeeping

C) Cybersecurity

D) Air force collaboration

2. In which year was the first Sampriti exercise held?

A) 2005

B) 2010

C) 2015

D) 2020

3. Which of the following countries is a participant in the Sampriti military exercise?

A) India

B) Sri Lanka

C) Bhutan

D) Nepal

4. What is the main purpose of the Sampriti exercise?

A) To strengthen economic ties

B) To enhance defense cooperation and interoperability

C) To discuss regional security issues

D) To train military personnel in logistics

5. What type of military cooperation is strengthened through the Sampriti exercise?

A) Nuclear defense cooperation

B) Counterterrorism and peacekeeping

C) Cyber warfare operations

D) Naval operations

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the strategic significance of the Sampriti military exercise between India and Bangladesh.

Answer: The Sampriti military exercise plays a crucial role in strengthening the defense and strategic ties between India and Bangladesh. By focusing on counterterrorism, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance, the exercise enhances mutual trust and fosters better coordination between the armed forces of both nations. This collaboration is important for regional security in South Asia, as it helps address common security challenges, including terrorism and cross-border security issues. The exercise also reinforces India’s leadership in regional security while solidifying Bangladesh's role as a key partner in counterterrorism efforts.

Q2: Discuss the impact of Sampriti on India-Bangladesh relations and regional security.

Answer: Sampriti has positively impacted India-Bangladesh relations by fostering closer defense cooperation and enhancing mutual understanding between their armed forces. The exercise strengthens bilateral ties and provides a platform for collaboration in counterterrorism, peacekeeping, and regional security. By improving interoperability between the two countries' militaries, Sampriti helps ensure more effective responses to common security threats, contributing to the stability and peace of the South Asian region. The exercise also sends a message of solidarity and shared commitment to peace and security in the region.

Q3: How does Sampriti contribute to India's broader strategic interests in South Asia?

Answer: Sampriti contributes to India’s broader strategic interests by deepening defense cooperation with Bangladesh, a key neighbor in South Asia. The exercise strengthens India's influence in the region by showcasing its commitment to regional stability and counterterrorism efforts. By enhancing military ties with Bangladesh, India is able to address common security challenges, such as insurgency and terrorism, while also strengthening its partnerships with other countries in South Asia. The exercise aligns with India’s broader goal of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean region and advancing its strategic interests in the neighborhood.

Previous Year Questions on Sampriti

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: Which two countries participate in the Sampriti military exercise?

A) India and Sri Lanka
B) India and Nepal
C) India and Bangladesh
D) Bangladesh and Myanmar

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Sampriti is a bilateral exercise between India and Bangladesh aimed at improving defense cooperation and interoperability between the two countries' armed forces.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 2):

Question: "Assess the role of military exercises like Sampriti in strengthening bilateral defense relations between India and Bangladesh."

Answer: Military exercises like Sampriti are pivotal in enhancing defense cooperation between India and Bangladesh. By focusing on areas like counterterrorism and peacekeeping, the exercise fosters trust and mutual understanding between the two nations' armed forces. It strengthens their strategic partnership, improves operational coordination, and addresses shared security concerns. Sampriti enhances the readiness of both countries to respond to regional challenges, contributing to greater stability in South Asia and reinforcing India's leadership in promoting peace and security in the region.