India-China Agree To Expand Defense Co-op

New Delhi, Sept 5, IRNA -- India and China Tuesday reached consensus on a wide range of issues relating to defense and military exchanges and cooperation to be conducted this year and beyond. At the 90 minute delegation level meeting between the Defense Minister A K Antony and the visiting Defense Minister of China General Liang Guanglie here today in South Block, it was agreed by the two sides to conduct the next round of Joint Military Exercises at the earliest. Military exercises between the two countries had started in 2007 but were put on hold in 2010 after a series of hiccups in the defence ties between the two sides. The first exercise was held in Kunming, China in 2007 and the second in Belgaum in India in 2008. The third edition was to have been held in China in 2010 but has since remained stalled. They 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. The two sides proclaimed their decision to work together to maintain peace and stability of 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 decided to 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. The Chinese side invited the Antony to visit China in 2013. Antony thanked General Liang for the invitation and conveyed that the timing of his visit could be settled through diplomatic channels. The two sides decided to strengthen the high level exchanges between the two defense ministries and Armed Forces of both sides. They also decided to promote exchange visits by personnel at different levels and in various fields. The two countries will strengthen exchanges in personnel training, academic research and cooperation between educational institutions of the Armed Forces of both sides. The two sides also discussed the regional security situation and international issues of common interests and concern. Both Ministers agreed that expanding bilateral cooperation between the defense ministries and armed forces of India and China helps enhance mutual trust, deepens friendship and promotes comprehensive development of the India-China Strategic and Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Prosperity. The two defense ministers agreed to work together to enhance mutual trust in the security field and continue to maintain peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas. They noted that the leaders of India and China have designated 2012 as the year of India-China friendship and cooperation. Terming the delegation-level talks as 'very fruitful', Antony said, 'We have decided that (to resume Army-to-Army exercises) and I have also accepted the invitation by him to visit China sometime next year as per mutual convenience. He said that during the talks, the two sides held discussions about improving relations at the border areas and the situation in the South Asia and Asia Pacific region'. The Chinese Defense Minister said the two countries have 'reached consensus for cooperation' and reviewed the progress made by the two sides. 'We reached consensus for cooperation between the sides in various fields including exchange of high-level visits, exchange of young officers and also the armed forces personnel training, inter-college exchanges and non-traditional security fields,' Gen Liang said through his interpreter. Cooperation between the two navies and maritime security also came up, he said. The Chinese Defense Minister said this was the year of 'friendship and cooperation' between India and China and the two countries should make the most of this opportunity. Earlier, General Liang inspected an Inter-services Guard of Honor in the forecourt of South Block. Gen Liang is the first Chinese Defense Minister to visit India in eight years.