India, China reiterate desire to keep up momentum of defence exchanges

Chief of Army Staff General Dalbir Singh, who is on a four-day official visit to China, on Monday called on General Xu Qiliang, Vice Chairman, Central Military Commission (CMC), and both reiterated their desire to keep up the momentum of defence exchanges and the need to keep the borders tranquil and peaceful.

General Singh extended an invitation to General Xu to visit India, which was accepted.

General Singh is accompanied by a delegation comprising four senior army officers holding key appointments in the Indian Army.

General Singh will also visit Xian and Nanjing, where he will visit key military installations, as well as interact with General Liu Yuejun, Commander of the Eastern Theatre Command.

General Singh, who is visiting China at the invitation by General Fan Changlong, Vice Chairman, CMC, was welcomed by General Li Zuocheng, Commander PLA Army with a Guard of Honour at the Bayi Building on November 21.

Later, both held official talks, in which a wide range of issues of mutual interest were discussed.

General Singh extended an invitation to General Li to visit India, which he accepted the invitation and said he hoped to visit India soon.

General Singh and General Li also noted with appreciation the sixth India-China Joint Training Exercise 'Hand-in-Hand' 2016, which is currently going on in India and agreed to further expand defense exchanges between the two armies.