Druzhba-III: Russia and Pakistan holding military exercise

The Druzhba 2018 (Friendship 2018) joint bilateral military exercise between Pakistan and Russian special forces has begun in Pakistan.

• This exercise will be organized in north-western hill region in Nowshera district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan.
• The two week long joint military exercise is aimed at bolstering and building military cooperation between the two countries.

About Druzhba military exercise:

• Druzhba military exercise between Russia and Pakistan was started in 2016. 
• "Druzhba" is Russian word, which means "friendship".
• Its first edition was held in October, 2016 at Army High Altitude School in Rattu, northern Pakistan.
• The second edition was held in Russia at Minralney Vody in North Caucasus at an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level.

About Druzhba 2018:

• This will be the third joint military drill between both countries under the bilateral training cooperation agreement.
• In this edition of exercise, servicemen from the two countries' armed forces will perform tasks at an altitude of 1,400 meters above the sea level.
• Over 70 soldiers from Russia's southern military district are participating.
• It will also involve experience sharing and develop coordination in carrying out practice combat tasks in a mountainous environment, including operations against illegal armed groups.

About Russia-Pakistan Defence Ties:

• The relation between Russia and Pakistan has become strong in the past few years and has moved apart from their past bitter Cold War hostilities.
• One of the main reasons for this is the tough attitude of US with Pakistan, which has led Pakistan to lean towards Russia and China.
• Pakistan is also keen to strengthen defense relations with Russia. 
• Russia has also started selling weapons to Pakistan.
• It has sold four Mi-35M fighters and cargo helicopters to Pakistan.

Question:

Q. The Druzhba 2018 (Friendship 2018) joint bilateral military exercise between Russia and which country has begun?
a. India
b. China
c. Pakistan
d. None of the above