No joint military exercise with Pakistan in PoK says Russia

Russia tonight clarified that it was not holding any anti-terror exercise with Pakistan in "so-called Azad Kashmir" or in any other "sensitive or problematic areas like Gilgit and Baltistan".

"The only venue of the exercise is Cherat. All reports alleging the drills taking place at the High Altitude Military School in Rattu are erroneous and mischievous," the Russian Embassy said in a statement here.

"Contrary to some reports appearing in a section of the press, the Russia-Pakistan antiterror exercise is not being held and will not be held in any point of so-called 'Azad Kashmir' or in any other sensitive or problematic areas like Gilgit and Baltistan," it said.

The statement assumes significance as there have been reports from Pakistan that a mechanised infantry unit of the Russian military arrived in Pakistan today to participate in the first-ever joint military drills dubbed 'Friendship-2016' starting from tomorrow.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup had yesterday said that India's sensitivities towards Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism are well-known and same was also conveyed to its strategic partner, Russia.