India and China Agree to Expand Defense Exchanges

India’s Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Dalbir Singh was welcomed by China’s General Li Zuocheng, Commander People’s Liberation Army with a Guard of Honour at the Bayi Building on Monday.

Later, according to an Indian government statement, both held official talks in which a wide range of issues of mutual interest were discussed. General Dalbir Singh extended an invitation to General Li to visit India. General Li accepted the invitation and said he hoped to visit India soon.

General Singh and General Li also noted with appreciation the 6th India-China Joint Training Exercise ‘Hand-in-Hand’ 2016 which is currently going on in India and they agreed to further expand defense exchanges between the two armies.

General Dalbir Singh also called on General Xu Qiliang, Vice Chairman, CMC. During the call-on both of them 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.

The Chief of Army Staff’s delegation is comprised of four senior Army Officers, holding key appointments in the Indian Army. General Dalbir 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.

Photo courtesy: Press Information Bureau