BIMSTEC military training exercise begins in Pune

The Military Field Training Exercise for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) nations called MILEX 2018, started with a grand opening ceremony at Aundh Military Station, Pune on Monday.

The Military Field Training Exercise will be held from September 10 to 16, amongst teams from member nations.

BIMSTEC is a regional grouping comprising Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal. 

However, The Nepal Army had withdrawn the first ever joint military exercise of BIMSTEC nations in India.

On Saturday, an aide of Prime Minister KP Oli said, that the political parties in the country had expressed concern over the participation in the event.

The aim of MILEX 2018 is to have joint practice among BIMSTEC nations to counter and prevent spread of terrorism and radicalisation, especially in semi-urban areas.