Sampriti Exercise - Aim, Significance, List of Exercise & More

Sampriti Exercise or “Ex Sampriti” is the bilateral defence cooperation exercise between the armies of India and Bangladesh. It is seen as a component of the defence partnership between India and Bangladesh. The 11th edition of the annual joint military exercise, SAMPRITI, between India and Bangladesh commenced on October 3, 2023, in Umroi, Meghalaya. This collaborative exercise, alternatively organized by both nations, reflects the robust bilateral defense cooperation initiatives between them. Since its inauguration in Jorhat, Assam, in 2009, SAMPRITI has successfully conducted ten editions until 2022. SAMPRITI-XI, spanning 14 days, involves approximately 350 personnel from both sides. The exercise highlights the significance of boosting interoperability, exchanging tactical drills, and promoting the adoption of best practices between the two armies.

This topic of “Sampriti Exercise” is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination, which falls under General Studies Paper 2 (Mains) and General Studies Paper 1 (Preliminary) and particularly in the International Relations section of the UPSC Exam. In this article, we shall discuss the bilateral defence cooperation exercise between the armies of India and Bangladesh, Its aim, significance and the latest exercise, “Sampriti-XI” 2023 & More!

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About Sampriti Military Exercise

• Since 2010, India and Bangladesh have been conducting the Sampriti bilateral military exercise.
• It is a major bilateral military exercise designed to boost bilateral cooperation between India and Bangladesh.
• It enabled the two armies to learn about each other’s tactical manoeuvres and operational methods.
• The exercise gave an excellent opportunity for army soldiers from both sides to exchange their expertise in counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, and disaster relief, particularly in forest and semi-urban terrain.
• Exercise also provides an opportunity for deeper cultural understanding to boost collaboration and confidence between the two nations' military.

Also, read about Mitra Shakti Military Exercise here!

Facts about Sampriti Exercise 2023

• SAMPRITI-XI included a Command Post Exercise (CPX) and a Field Training Exercise (FTX), culminating in a Validation Exercise.
• In the CPX, 20 officers from each contingent participated in decision-making exercises following thorough deliberations.
• The FTX validated grassroots-level operations, incorporating joint tactical drills for counter-terrorist operations such as hostage rescue, crowd control, and the use of helicopters.
• The Validation Exercise took place on October 14th and 15th, 2023, at Darranga Field Firing Range, Assam.
• Participants had the opportunity to witness the capabilities of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' through an Equipment Display during the exercise.
• SAMPRITI-XI aimed to strengthen defense cooperation between India and Bangladesh, fostering deeper bilateral relations, cultural understanding, and mutual benefits from shared experiences in Sub Conventional Operations.

Facts about Sampriti Exercise 2022

• The 10th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘Sampriti’ between the Armies of India and Bangladesh was conducted from the 5th to the 16th of June 2022 at Jessore in Bangladesh.
• During the joint military exercise Ex SAMPRITI-X, militaries from both countries shared knowledge in various simulated situations involving counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and the United Nations Peacekeeping Force under the UN charter.
• Soldiers from the Dogra regiment participated in the “Ex Samriti-X” exercise.
• The Indian Army’s Brigadier General Rupesh Shehgal leads the Indian side in the exercise.
• The exercise was performed as a Command Post Exercise (CPX) and a Field Training Exercise (FTX).
• CPX focuses heavily on exercises that prepare soldiers for combat.
• FTX refers to training, drills, and other exercises conducted by military forces to improve their defence.
• Along with training, both contingents participated in various other events, such as friendly basketball and volleyball matches.

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Aim Of Sampriti Exercise

The Sampriti exercise aims to improve interoperability between the two forces by learning about each other’s tactical drills and operational procedures.

List of Sampriti Exercises

Here is a list of all Sampriti Exercises held between 2009 and 2022:

Also, study Shakti Exercise here!

Significance of Sampriti Exercise

• The exercise between India and Bangladesh is intended to assess the effectiveness of the military forces without involving them in combat.
• The exercise enabled contingents from both Armies to learn about each other’s tactical manoeuvres and operational techniques.
• To exchange their expertise with counter-insurgency/counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and disaster relief operations under UN mandate.
• The exercise has been designed to familiarise the participants with each other’s organizational structure and tactical exercises.

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India-Bangladesh Defence Cooperation

• Defense cooperation between India and Bangladesh has advanced significantly in recent years.
• Since the Indian army participated in the Liberation War in 1971 alongside Bangladeshi liberation forces, India and Bangladesh have had solid defence ties.
• India-Bangladesh defence cooperation is demonstrated by the two countries’ leaders visiting each other regularly, the implementation of training programmes, joint exercises, and the supply of Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR).
• In 2017, During Prime Minister Hasina’s visit to India, many agreements were made, including a Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation Framework.
• In 2019, Bangladesh and India signed their first agreement under a $500 million Line of Credit (LoC), marking an important first step toward strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.
• A USD 500 million defence line of credit will allow Bangladesh to purchase defence equipment from India (LoC).
• When the Prime Minister of Bangladesh pays a state visit to India in September 2022, India and Bangladesh recently issued a joint declaration.
• The two prime ministers discussed every facet of bilateral cooperation, including political and security cooperation, defence, border control, trade and connectivity, water resources, power and energy, development cooperation, and cultural and people-to-people ties.

Learn in detail about SIMBEX here!

Conclusion

The SAMPRITI series of joint bilateral exercises is a significant military and political initiative between India and Bangladesh and the foundation of friendship and trust between the two countries. The exercise’s goal is to develop military relations between the two countries.

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