India, China agree to boost defence exchanges

New Delhi: India and China agreed to enhance defence exchanges and communications for better understanding and mutual trust during the fourth round of Annual Defence Dialogue (ADD) held here after two years.

During the three-hour-long talks, the six-member Chinese delegation led by their deputy chief of general staff, general Ma Xiaotian and defence secretary, Shashikant Sharma, discussed a wide range of issues concerning both nations.

Both sides agreed to strictly adhere to the provisions of 2005 protocol for implementation of confidence building measures (CBMs) on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

"India made some suggestions to China in this regard which the Chinese side agreed to consider," Ministry officials said.

Agreeing to enhance the range and scope of exchanges at various levels, China will now send a military delegation to New Delhi by the end of this month, and India will reciprocate by despatching a matching delegation in January 2012, a defence ministry spokesperson said here.

After the talks, the Chinese delegation met defence minister AK Antony. The minister extended an invitation to the Chinese defence minister to visit India at a mutually convenient date.