NEW DELHI, July 5: Notwithstanding the warning by a Red Army official yesterday, India and China today agreed to build trust and understanding based on ‘strategic communication’ and maintain peace, tranquility and stability on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The two countries agreed to strengthen communication and coordination at various levels between their border guarding forces and conduct the third joint Army exercises in October.
They also decided that their respective Navies and Air Forces would undertake enhanced professional exchanges.
The decisions were taken at delegation-level talks between Defence Minister A K Antony and his counterpart Gen Chang Wanquan in Beijing today.
Mr Antony who is currently on a four-day official visit to China, also called on Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
“Among the measures for practical cooperation discussed was the conduct of the third joint Army exercise in China in October 2013. Both sides have also agreed that the Navies and Air Forces of both countries will also undertake enhanced professional exchanges,” a Defence Ministry statement issued here said. During the meetings, both sides discussed a number of issues
relating to bilateral defence relations, exchanges and interactions between the Ministries of Defence and Armed Forces of both countries and regional and international security situation.
Premier Li and the Defence Minister conveyed that the new leadership in China attached great importance to developing friendly and cooperative relations with India.
Mr Antony conveyed that India reciprocates the sentiment and looks forward to building the relationship further on a foundation of mutual trust and confidence and based on mutual respect for each other’s concerns.
During the discussions between the two Defence Ministers, measures to promote mutual trust and confidence building between the Armed Forces were discussed.
“It was agreed that strategic communication is required for building trust and understanding…Both sides agreed on the need to maintain peace, tranquility and stability on the LAC,” the statement said.
The two countries acknowledged that the border issue is a remnant of history which they were trying to resolve.
It was agreed that the Special Representatives mechanism should continue to work towards a solution.
They also agreed that in the meanwhile, both countries would make joint efforts to maintain peace and tranquility on the borders.
Mr Antony was assisted by Indian Ambassador Dr S Jaishankar, Defence Secretary R K Mathur,GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, Lt General Dalbir Singh, FOC-in-C Southern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Satish Soni and other senior officials of the Defence Ministry and the Armed Forces.
Earlier on his arrival at the Bayi PLA Headquarters, Mr Antony was given a tri-Services guard of honour.
Mr Antony is expected to have further meetings tomorrow and will also visit the National Defence University and an Air Force unit in Tianjin. (AGENCIES)
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