India, China to be part of military drill "Vostok-2022" hosted by Russia

New Delhi, Aug 18: India and China will be part of military exercise Vostok (East)-2022 that will take place in Russia amid the India-China border conflict and Russia-Ukraine tensions.

 

Both India and China will send troops for the strategic exercise. Apart from these countries, Belarus, Tajikistan, and Mongolia will also send troops for the drills. The drill will be held between August 30 and September 5 at various military facilities in Russia.

 

It is pertinent to mention that neither the Defence Ministry nor the Ministry of External Affairs have not mentioned this military exercise. However, the Chinese Defence Ministry has informed about this development.

 

The Chinese Defence Ministry, in a statement, said, "According to the annual China-Russia military cooperation plan and consensus reached by the two sides, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army will send some troops to Russia to take part in the Vostok (East)-2022 strategic exercise. Countries including India, Belarus, Tajikistan, and Mongolia will also send troops for the exercise."

The Chinese Defence ministry said the exercise is "unrelated" to the current international and regional conditions i.e. Russia-Ukraine tensions. "The Chinese military's participation in the exercise is unrelated to the current international and regional situation, but designed to deepen practical and friendly cooperation with the militaries of participating countries, enhance the level of strategic coordination and strengthen the ability to cope with various security threats," it added.

 

Besides, the Russian government confirmed the "Vostok (East)" drills last month without sharing details. "The drills will bring together the Airborne Force, long-range and military transport aircraft and also military contingents of other countries," it had stated. It added that during the drills the participating forces would practice measures to maintain military security in the eastern region.