SAMPRITI XI – India Bangladesh Joint Military Exercise Commences

SAMPRITI

What is the News?

• India and Bangladesh commenced 11th edition of joint military exercise SAMPRITI on 3rd October 2023
• Aimed at enhancing cooperation and interoperability between armies

India and Bangladesh commenced the 11th edition of their annual joint military exercise, SAMPRITI, on October 3, 2023, in Umroi, Meghalaya. This collaborative endeavor, organized alternately by both countries, highlights their robust bilateral defence cooperation initiatives. Since its inception in Jorhat, Assam, in 2009, SAMPRITI has successfully conducted ten editions until 2022. SAMPRITI-XI, spanning 14 days, engages approximately 350 personnel from both sides, emphasizing the significance of enhancing interoperability, sharing tactical drills, and promoting best practices.

India-Bangladesh Relations

• Share close historical and cultural ties
• Defence cooperation an important pillar of strategic partnership
• Joint exercises, training, border management key areas

India and Bangladesh share a border of 4156 km, a large part of which is unfenced. Human and Drug Trafficking, FICN (Fake Indian Currency Notes), smuggling of cattle, terrorism etc are the major concerns for India. Cooperation of Bangladesh is therefore important for the security of India, especially states that border Bangladesh. India believes Bangladesh is a part of “String of pearls” which China is building across the Indian Ocean.

New Delhi has been wary of Bangladesh’s growing military proximity with China, particularly the maritime component. Bangladesh has bought two diesel-electric submarines from China, which will necessitate the construction of a submarine base in Bangladesh, a port that might play host to Chinese submarines in future as Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port.

There are lot of areas like medical facilities, education, fighting terrorism, developmental projects, etc. where India can prove to be of immense help for Bangladesh in its growth trajectory.

SAMPRITI

What is SAMPRITI?

• Bilateral defence cooperation exercise between India and Bangladesh
• Initiated in 2009; held annually alternately in India and Bangladesh
• Objective: Improve interoperability, share expertise, promote best practices

SAMPRITI is a bilateral defence cooperation exercise between the armies of India and Bangladesh. It was initiated in 2009 and is held annually, alternating between the two countries. The key objectives of SAMPRITI are to improve interoperability between the Indian and Bangladeshi armies, share tactical expertise and drills, and promote adoption of best practices in military operations.

The edifice of this unique relationship between the two neighbouring nations is based on the unwavering faith in democratic values, principles of liberalism, egalitarianism, secularism and respect for each other’s sovereignty and integrity.

SAMPRITI XI Details

Duration and Location

• 14 days
• Umroi, Meghalaya

Focus

• Sub-conventional operations as per UN mandate

Components

• Command Post Exercise (CPX)
• Field Training Exercise (FTX)
• Validation Exercise

Participation

• Around 350 personnel from both armies
• Indian contingent led by Brigade commander
• Bangladesh contingent led by Infantry Brigade commander

Duration and Location SAMPRITI-XI is scheduled for a duration of 14 days in Umroi, Meghalaya.

Focus The exercise focuses on enhancing cooperation and interoperability while conducting Sub-Conventional Operations as per Chapter VII of the UN mandate.

Components SAMPRITI-XI consists of a Command Post Exercise (CPX), a Field Training Exercise (FTX), and a Validation Exercise.

Participation Around 350 personnel from both the Indian and Bangladeshi armies are participating in SAMPRITI-XI. The Indian contingent is led by a Brigade commander. The Bangladesh contingent is led by an Infantry Brigade commander.

Significance

• Strengthens India-Bangladesh defence cooperation
• Promotes military ties, cultural understanding
• Supports mutual security interests, regional stability

SAMPRITI-XI reaffirms the commitment of both India and Bangladesh to enhancing their defence cooperation. Beyond the military aspect, this joint exercise fosters deeper bilateral relations, cultural understanding, and mutual benefits arising from shared experiences in Sub-Conventional Operations. It serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two neighboring nations and their shared commitment to regional stability and security.

The exercise promotes deeper bilateral relations, cultural understanding and mutual benefits by sharing experiences in Sub-Conventional Operations. It underscores the commitment of both nations to enhance their military capabilities and cooperation. A stable, moderate Bangladesh is in India’s long term interests as a constructive India-Bangladesh ties can be a major stabilizing factor for the South Asia region.

Way Forward

• Continue joint exercises for greater interoperability
• Expand cooperation in maritime security, counterterrorism
• Leverage exercises like SAMPRITI to deepen strategic partnership

India and Bangladesh should continue organizing joint exercises like SAMPRITI annually to improve interoperability between their armies. The scope of these exercises can be expanded to areas like maritime security and counterterrorism.

Joint maritime exercises will support India’s ‘Act East’ policy and security of sea lanes in the Bay of Bengal. Enhanced counterterrorism cooperation will help tackle cross-border terrorism and insurgency.

Overall, leveraging bilateral exercises like SAMPRITI can lead to greater military coordination and trust-building between India and Bangladesh, paving the path for a deeper strategic partnership between the two nations. This will promote regional stability and unlock the potential for comprehensive cooperation.