New Delhi to closely watch China-BD joint military training

Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal briefing reporters in New Delhi on Thursday.

Dhaka, April 25 - Commenting on Bangladesh-China joint military training, India has said they "keep a close watch" on all developments that happen in their neighborhood and beyond, which impact their interests - economic and security interests.

"We take appropriate measures accordingly," Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal told reporters at a briefing on Thursday.

He commented when a journalist said Bangladesh is going to conduct a joint military exercise with China and the Chinese forces are going to be visiting Bangladesh very soon in May for some anti-terror exercise.

The Chinese and Bangladeshi armies will conduct a joint military training, Xinhua reported quoting China's Ministry of National Defense.

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, said the Chinese news agency.

This joint training, based on United Nations peacekeeping anti-terrorism operations, will involve both sides utilising an integrated training approach.

They will jointly organise 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, according to Xinhua. - UNB