India, China resolve to cooperate more; joint exercise ends

Kunming, China, Dec 25 (UNI) With India and China resolving to enhance cooperation between the two countries, the joint anti-terrorism training Hand-in-Hand 2007 concluded today.

Indian Army's Deputy Chief (training&info systems), Lt General Susheel Gupta and Deputy Chief of Staff, Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), Lt General M A Xiao Tian expressed satisfaction on successful completion of the joint training.

Addressing the joint companies of the two armies, Lt Gen Gupta said the exercise with an underlining theme of counter terrorism was executed with finesse and an enviable sense of astute professionalism, which was a manifestation of days of hard work and training.

''What we saw was a unique blend of close cooperation, total integration and tremendous camaraderie between the troops of the two armies,'' he said adding that the exercise helped the two armies gain enormous experience in the field of combating terrorism at the international level, showcase their tactical acumen and sharpen their combat skills.

Terming it a pre-cursor to many more military exercises, Lt Gen Gupta said the joint training indeed provided an enabling platform to both the armies for structured learning.

Speaking on the occasion, Lt Gen Xiao said the relationship between India and China was embracing a new period of all round development.

''Cooperation and mutual trust is being strengthened and both the nation are developing a good coordination in dealing with regional and international affairs,'' he said, adding that ''major reakthroughs'' achieved through cooperation helped Indian and Chinese navies in carrying out a maritime search and rescue operation, and made visits between defence ministers of both the countries possible.

The Chinese General said India-China cooperation was not only good for the two nations but also conducive for world peace and development.

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