hosted by Iran
ISLAMABAD: The armed forces of Pakistan and India have commencedparticipation in a multinational counter-terrorism exercise hosted by Iranunder the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), markinga rare instance of direct military cooperation between the twonuclear-armed neighbours.
The exercise, titled “Cooperation-2025”, began on 5 December in the Iraniancity of Chabahar and will continue until 15 December. Alongside Pakistanand India, contingents from China, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are taking part in the drills, which focus onjoint planning, intelligence sharing, and tactical operations againstterrorist threats.
Military officials from both Pakistan and India have described theirparticipation as routine and in line with SCO commitments. A statementissued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) emphasised that theexercise is being conducted under strict institutional protocols and doesnot indicate any shift in bilateral relations. Analysts have noted thatsimilar safeguards were observed during previous SCO exercises involvingthe two countries, including the 2018 drill in Russia.
The Chabahar exercise assumes particular significance given the persistenttensions along the Line of Control and the absence of substantivemilitary-to-military dialogue since the 2019 Pulwama attack. Despite thestrained political relationship, both nations have continued to honourmultilateral obligations within the SCO framework.
Iranian state media reported that the opening ceremony was attended bysenior commanders from all participating countries. The drills includesimulated operations in urban and mountainous terrain, with emphasis oncoordination among special forces units.
Defence experts in Islamabad view the exercise as evidence thatinstitutional mechanisms remain functional even during periods ofheightened bilateral friction. “These activities are governed bylong-standing SCO protocols and are insulated from political fluctuations,”a retired lieutenant general told journalists on condition of anonymity.
The SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) has coordinated theplanning of the exercise, which also incorporates cybersecurity componentsand counter-drone operations. Observers from Mongolia and Türkiye arepresent in Chabahar.
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Pakistan has deployed a contingent from the Special Service Group, whileIndia is represented by personnel from its Para Special Forces. Bothcontingents are operating in separate sectors while sharing common trainingareas under Iranian supervision.
The exercise concludes a busy year of SCO military diplomacy, which earliersaw similar drills hosted by China and Russia. Analysts suggest that suchplatforms provide limited but valuable channels for confidence-buildingmeasures between Pakistan and India at the operational level.
Source: https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail.php?id=6789
Source:https://en.mehrnews.com/news/210543/SCO-Cooperation-2025-exercise-kicks-off-in-Iran
Tags: Pakistan, India, Iran, SCO, China, Russia, Counter-terrorism
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