Shillong, Nov 20​:​ A joint exercise between Indian and Myanmar armies began at Umroi in Meghalaya’s Ri-​Bhoi district on Monday.

​According to a statement issued by a defence public relation officer, ​the six-day India-Myanmar Bilateral Army Exercise (IMBAX) between India and Myanmar conducted under the aegis of Red Horns Division and Gajraj Corps kick started at the joint training node at ​Umroi, about 25 km from Shillong.
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The Myanmar army contingent comprising of 15 officers was welcomed by general-officer-commanding Red Horns Division, major general P.S. Behl.
Atleast 16 officers representing the Indian Army contingent participated in the exercise.
“The India-Myanmar Bilateral Army Exercise is the first ever India-Myanmar Exercise to be held on Indian soil conceived with an aim to build and promote closer relations while exchanging skills and experiences between the two armies,” the statement said.

The six-day training exercise aims to train officers of Myanmar army in various United Nations peacekeeping roles and tasks.

“The training curriculum will enable the participants of Myanmar army with the requisite knowledge and skills to meet the evolving challenges of peacekeeping operations in accordance with principles, policies and guidelines of the United Nations,” the statement said.

Stating that the first India-Myanmar Bilateral Army Exercise is a positive step in the bilateral relations between the two neighbouring nations, the defence statement said that the conduct of such exercises in future would not only enable mutual capacity enhancement, but would assist in building strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Myanmar.