Indian defence forces and Chinese PLAF may engage in joint military exercises
21 May 2007
New Delhi: Indian defence forces and China's People's Liberation Army Forces (PLAF) are likely to conduct their first-ever joint military exercise - an anti-terrorism maneuver - according to Indian Army chief General JJ Singh. The general is leading a combined defence services delegation to the People's Republic of China, starting Sunday.
'In principle, the Chinese have agreed to holding of such an exercise,' Gen Singh said. 'But during the visit, we hope to work out the details and whether such a first-ever exercise would be held on Chinese or Indian soil'.
The Indian and Chinese armies have posts along a 3000-kilometre, largely unmarked, border. The two countries are currently engaged in a dialogue to resolve a border dispute, harking back to a war in 1962.
Besides, Beijing, Singh is scheduled to visit Wuhan, Shanghai and Hong Zhou to visit the rapid reaction force division of the People's Liberation Army, a Chinese air base and a naval base.