India, China agree to expand defence cooperation, maintain border security
04 Sep 2012
India and China have agreed to enhance cooperation on a wide range of issues relating to defence through military exchanges to be conducted this year and beyond.
The two countries also decided to conduct the next round of joint military exercises at the earliest.
At the 90-minute delegation level meeting between the defence minister AK Antony and the visiting defence minister of China General Liang Guanglie in New Delhi, the two sides also agreed to strengthen border security cooperation between the border troops of the two sides so as to enhance and maintain peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas.
At the end of the talks the two countries announced their decision to work together to maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, promote port calls by naval ships of the two sides and conduct joint maritime search and rescue exercises.
The two sides will further enhance and strengthen cooperation between the naval forces of both sides in counter piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia.
Antony also accepted an invitation by the Chinese side to visit China in 2013, but said the timing of his visit could be settled through diplomatic channels.
