SCO framework: Pakistani, Indian troops to take part in military exercise

For the first time in history, Pakistani and Indian troops would take part in a joint military exercise with other regional countries under the framework of Shanghi Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Both arch rivals India and Pakistan will be part of a multi-nation counter-terror exercise in Russia in September, which will also be joined by China and several other countries.
The military exercise will take place under the banner of SCO, a China-dominated security grouping which is increasingly seen as a counterweight to the Nato. The military drill will be held in the Ural mountains of Russia and almost all SCO member countries will be part of it. The main aim of the exercise, Peace Mission, will be to enhance counter-terror cooperation among the eight SCO member countries.
This will be the first time that the nuclear-armed South Asian nations will take part in an exercise together. Both Pakistan and India became full members of the SCO last year. The drill will feature all SCO member states, including Russia and China. During his weekly media brief, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammad Faisal has confirmed it and said that this is under the ambit of the SCO. However, he did not provide further details.