NEW DELHI: India and China on Friday 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 a tumultuous two years for military ties.
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 tranquility 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 would be sending a military delegation to New Delhi by the end of this month, which will be reciprocated by India in January 2012, a Defence Ministry spokesperson said here.
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 the nations.
After the talks, the Chinese delegation met Defence Minister A K Antony who expressed satisfaction over the positive and constructive discussions between both the sides, and said, “Both sides should work towards increasing mutual trust and confidence as this was for benefit of both the countries,” he said. Extending an invitation to Chinese Defence Minister to visit India at a mutually convenient time. (PTI)
