New Delhi, Nov 4 (IANS): A contingent of the Indian Army arrived in China Monday to take part in the joint counter-terrorism exercise 'Hand in Hand', an official release here said.

The joint exercise is being held after five years.

The joint training exercise between the two countries is one of the major bilateral defence cooperation moves, and third in a series which started in 2007, the release said.

The Indian Army contingent, which arrived at Chengdu in China, is led by Brigadier D.S. Shishodia. Colonel Gaurav Srivastava is its commanding officer.

"The joint training exercise 'Hand in Hand' is a counter-terrorist exercise with a purpose of exploring useful experience and thoughts, advancing pragmatic cooperation, and promoting a friendly environment, besides enhancing mutual trust," the release said.

The first joint exercise between the two armies was held at Kunming, China, in December 2007, while the second was held at Belgaum, India, in November 2008.

A band of the People's Liberation Army played tunes to welcome the Indian contingent on its arrival at the exercise area. The contingent commanders and soldiers of the two nations exchanged pleasantries.