August 13, 2022
2 mins read

Pakistan to attend counter-terror drills in India

The counter-terrorism exercises are scheduled to be held in October in Manesar, Haryana, under the banner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

Pakistan has confirmed that it will attend the international counter-terrorism exercises in India later this year despite simmering tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

The counter-terrorism exercises are scheduled to be held in October in Manesar, Haryana, under the banner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), The Express Tribune reported.

Pakistan and India are part of the regional body that also includes China, Russia and Central Asian Republics (CARs).

While Pakistan and Indian military contingents have taken part in counter-terrorism exercises together, this will be the first time that Pakistan will be attending such drills in India, The Express Tribune reported.

At the weekly briefing, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Asim Iftikhar confirmed Pakistan’s participation.

“Yes, there will be exercises under the ambit of SCO RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure),” the spokesperson said, adding that India was chairing the SCO RATS this year.

“These exercises are scheduled to be held in India in Manesar in October, and as Pakistan is a member, we will participate,” he confirmed.

“At what level, I think when we approach that, we will let you know,” the spokesperson added.

The move will be seen as significant given the deepening tensions between the two countries.

Pakistan downgraded its relationship with India after New Delhi revoked the special status of the illegally occupied Kashmir region in August 2019.

Indian Army soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir (IANS)

Since then, there has been no structured dialogue between the two sides though backchannel talks did produce a renewal of ceasefire understanding in February last year.

The truce is still holding but there is no progress or indication of any thaw in the relationship. In fact, backchannel talks have met a dead end with both sides sticking to their respective positions, The Express Tribune reported.

There was renewed optimism for a possible breakthrough when there was a change of government in April in Pakistan. There were quick exchanges between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, but things could not move further.

The two leaders will have at least two opportunities in the coming weeks for possible interactions. Both Modi and Shehbaz will be first attending the SCO summit in Samarkand and then the UN General Assembly (UNGA) session.

“The SCO meeting is in Samarkand in mid-September; there is nothing with me about the meeting you are referring to,” the FO spokesperson said when asked to comment on the possibility of a Modi-Shehbaz meeting.

ALSO READ: Pakistan rescues 9 Indian crew members after ship capsize

Previous Story

India seeks extradition of Khalistani Hardeep Nijjar from Canada

Next Story

Google warns employees about layoffs

Latest from -Top News

Hasina Faces Arrest in War Crimes Probe

Two formal charges were submitted by the ICT prosecution against Hasina and her security and defence advisor, Tarique Ahmed Siddique….reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Wednesday issued arrest

Peace in Afghanistan Vital, Says India

The Indian delegation at the meeting was led by Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar who expressed support for independent, peaceful and stable Afghanistan….reports Asian Lite News On Tuesday, India reaffirmed that a

India, Qatar Strengthen Trade Ties

Goyal expressed optimism about the growing economic engagement between the two countries, stating, “Glad to meet Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed….reports Asian Lite News Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met

Keir Starmer Lands in Mumbai for First India Visit

The visit, described by No.10 Downing Street as a “two-day trade mission to Mumbai,” is focused on strengthening trade ties…reports Asian Lite News United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Meet the men behind Dhruva Space

Egoor is responsible for design and development of the space

Maitri Diwas: Modi, Hasina vow to deepen ties

Sheikh Hasina recalled the generosity of then Prime Minister Indira