Indian Army Chief begins China visit, to meet CMC Vice Chairman

Dalbir Singh's visit coincides with the ongoing joint military exercise between the two countries in Pune

Beijing, Nov 21 : The Indian Army chief, General Dalbir Singh, began a four-day visit to China on Monday and is set to visit the eastern theatre command of the People's Liberation Army in Nanjing.

He will also meet the Vice Chairman of all-powerful Central Military Commission Fan Changlong.
"He is here (China)," said an Indian embassy official here.

Eastern theatre command is one of the five zones of People's Liberation Army -- the world's largest standing military.

"The visit aims at engaging China on subjects of mutual concern and shared interest, which include terrorism, humanitarian assistance and peace-keeping training," the embassy said.

"This visit is an opportunity to re-engage PLA in field of defence cooperation and build upon existing mutual cooperation and trust between the two nations. The delegation will also be visiting military installations including Infantry Division and Army Air Defence Brigades," the statement said.

Singh's visit coincides with the ongoing joint military exercise between the two countries in Pune.

The drill will be followed by the visit of General Zhao Zongqi, commander, Western Theatre Command of PLA, in the second week of December.

IANS