Srinagar, Dec 22 (IANS): The 7th edition of anti-terrorism India-China joint military exercise concluded on Saturday in Chengdu area of China, the Defence Ministry said on Saturday.

A statement from the Ministry said: "The Validation and Closing ceremony of the seventh edition of joint India-China military exercise 'Hand-in-Hand 2018' was conducted at Chengdu, China on Saturday.

"The exercise included lectures and discussions on various counter-terrorism aspects, like cordon and search operations, raid on terrorist hideouts, intelligence collection and joint operations. Also, integrated live firing was conducted for both contingents to enhance interoperability and promote jointmanship.

"As part of validation exercise, troops of both armies carried out specialised joint counter-terrorist operations including room intervention and hostage rescue which was witnessed by dignitaries of both armies."

The validation exercise was reviewed by Major General Sanjiv Rai of the Indian Army and Maj Gen Li Shizhong of the PLA in presence of senior Army officers of both participating countries.

"Exercise Hand-in-Hand 2018 was very successful in increasing the bonhomie and camaraderie amongst troops from both countries.

"They shared best practices being followed by both nations in counter-terrorism operations in urban and jungle terrain and the exercise provided an opportunity to both armies for greater understanding and strengthening mutual trust and cooperation," the statement said.