India, China pledge to deepen military exchanges

New Delhi, May 29: India and China today pledged to deepen military exchanges between the two Armed Forces.

Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee -- on a six-day official visit to China -- and his Chinese counterpart Cao Gangchuan during bilateral talks in Beijing expressed the view that friendship and mutually-beneficial cooperation were in the fundamental interests of both India and China, and were conducive to the peace, stability and development of Asia and the world.

According to reports received here, Minister Mukherjee said India attached great importance to the strategic and cooperative partnership with China. The Indian government would work with China on the basis of mutual respect and mutual trust to continue deepening defence and military exchanges.

Chinese Defence Minister Cao said the Chinese government hoped peace, stability and economic growth would continue in the south Asia region.

Minister Cao, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, said the Chinese government supported efforts of south Asian nations to push for regional cooperation.

Mr Mukherjee reached Beijing yesterday for a six-day visit as a guest of Minister Cao. This is Minister Mukherjee's first trip to China since the assumption of his post in 2004. He is expected to meet and hold talks with Chinese leaders and senior military officers.

The Defence Minister will also visit northwest China's Gansu Province and Shanghai Municipality, the country's economic hub in east China.

UNI