September 19 :- Mechanized Infantry troops of the Indian Army carried out its joint training and exercises with UK Army from 29th August to 19th September 2008. India and UK are key strategic partners and enjoy a close relationship on defence matters. The joint training and exercises were a golden opportunity to both armies to train together and gain from each other’s experience.
The joint training culminated in two exercises Ex Lion strike and Ex Wessex Warrior. The final day of Exercise Wessex Warrior culminated today at Land Warfare Centre in Salisbury plains in UK. The Indian contingent comprised of 126 all ranks from the 16 Mechanised Infantry Regiment while the British troops were from the Third Mercian Regiment. The joint maneuvers and demonstration was witnessed by General Deepak Kapoor during his visit to UK this month. The drills and procedures of the Indian contingent drew accolades from Col James Stoppford the Commandant of the Collective Training Group.
The interaction is also expected to increase interoperability between the Armed Forces of the two countries and is in tune with India’s increasing role and influence on the world stage.