SHILLONG: The bilateral military exercise SAMPRITI-XI, marking the eleventh edition between India and Bangladesh, came to a successful conclusion at the Joint Training Node, Umroi, Meghalaya, on Monday.
The joint military exercise saw the active participation of 170 soldiers from the 52 Infantry Brigade of Bangladesh and an equal number from India’s 15th Battalion, the Rajput Regiment of the 66 Mountain Brigade. The collective strength of 340 soldiers engaged in various drills, sharing experiences from past global operations.
SAMPRITI-XI was structured in two distinct phases – the Command Post Exercise made up the first phase, with the second phase focused on a Validation Exercise and Field Training, inclusive of Battle Inoculation.
Both contingents jointly participated in the validation exercises, which incorporated advanced cordon and search operations, room interventions, and coordinated air efforts. A significant highlight was the display and utilisation of the latest weapons and equipment by both armies.
Initiated on October 3, the exercise aimed to achieve interoperability and acquaint each force with joint task force procedures in Sub Conventional operations under Chapter-VII of the United Nations Mandate (UNPKO).
Exercise SAMPRITI, a step towards strengthening bond between India and Bangladesh, is organised annually and alternates between the two nations. The inaugural edition was held in Jorhat, India, back in 2009, with ten successful iterations conducted till 2022.
A special closing ceremony honoured standout soldiers from for their exemplary performance during the exercise. The troops not only shared invaluable combat strategies and best practices but also engaged in a friendly volleyball match and campfire on the concluding day, strengthening camaraderie among the ranks.
The successful culmination of this training exercise marks a pivotal step in nurturing the relationship between the two neighbouring nations. Beyond fostering mutual understanding and military inter-operability, SAMPRITI-XI has played an instrumental role in solidifying the diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh.
