New Delhi, July 03
In a significant ice-breaker, the top military leadership of India and China have discussed ways and means to maintain peace and tranquillity along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC).
A 10-member Chinese delegation led by Lt Gen Liu Xiaowu, Deputy Commander of Western Theatre Command (that faces India), discussed matters with Indian Army Vice Chief Lt Gen Devraj Anbu at New Delhi last evening.
The Chinese delegation today met the military leadership at the eastern command specifically the 33 Corps that handles Sikkim where the two armies were locked in 73 day stand-off at Doklam in South-eastern Sikkim. The Indian delegation was led by Lt Gen Pradeep M Bali, the 33 Corps Commander.
This is the first high-level military exchange after the Doklam standoff.
The two militaries have been tasked to accumulate strategic trust, effectively manage and control differences along the LAC, maintain border stability, and ensure development of the relations between the two militaries. The two militaries will also discuss the conduct of hand-in-hand exercises which were postponed last year. China is the host this time.
The two countries will be working to have military exchanges at the theatre level, border management and control and border defence cooperation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their summit at Wuhan in April this year asked the two militaries to cooperate.
The delegation-level talks at 33 Corps will be followed by a cultural programme showcasing Indian traditional dances and a banquet in the honour of visiting delegation. The visiting delegation will arrive at Kolkata on July 5 for their visit to HQ of Eastern Command.
