New Delhi: India is participating in the Exercise SCO Peaceful Mission 2021 multilateral exercise  conducted biennially as part of military diplomacy between Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states.

The 6th edition of Exercise PEACEFUL MISSION is being hosted by Russia in the Orenburg Region of South West Russia from September 13 to 25. The aim of the exercise is to foster close relations between SCO member states and to enhance abilities of the military leaders to command multi-national military contingents.

The Indian military contingent comprises of an all arms combined force of 200 personnel including 38  from the Indian Air Force. The Indian contingent was inducted to the exercise area by two IL-76 aircraft. Prior to their departure, the contingent underwent training and preparation under the aegis of South Western Command.

The exercise will enable sharing of best practices between the Armed Forces of SCO nations. The exercise will also provide an opportunity to the Armed Forces of SCO Nations to train in Counter-Terrorism Operations in an urban scenario in a multinational and joint environment.  The scope of the exercise includes professional interaction, mutual understanding of drills and procedures, establishment of joint command and control structures and elimination of terrorist threats.

It is a landmark event in military interactions and global cooperation to counter-terrorism.