Army Chief's visit to Beijing: India, China agree to keep borders peaceful

Beijing: India and China on Monday agreed to keep borders between the two countries tranquil and peaceful.

Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh, who is on a four-day visit to China, called on China's General Xu Qiliang, Vice Chairman (Central Military Commission) and PLA Commander General Li Zuocheng.

#COAS called on Gen Xu Qiliang, Vice Chairman, CMC. Both of them reiterated their desire to keep up the momentum of defence exchanges. pic.twitter.com/vrhJKKH7oc— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) November 21, 2016

#COAS being presented Guard of Honour by 3 Div PLA on his first day of visit to China. #COASinChina pic.twitter.com/DkGPNApg9z— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) November 21, 2016

#COAS with Vice Chairman CMC & Cdr PLA during his visit to China. #COASinChina pic.twitter.com/ycmLXzgQja

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) November 21, 2016

Singh had left for China yesterday.

He is accompanied by a high-level military delegation.

"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," a statement by the Army had said earlier.

The visit is aimed at engaging China on subjects of mutual concern and shared interest, which include terrorism, humanitarian assistance and peace keeping training, the Army had said, as per PTI.

The visit comes amidst growing stronger economic and military ties between the emerging Asian giants and follows high-level diplomatic and military exchanges between the two neighbours.

The visit also coincides with a joint military exercise (Exercise Hand in Hand), between two armies which is underway in Pune.

It will be followed by visit of General Zhao Zongqi, Commander, Western Theatre Command of PLA in the second week of next month.

While issues relating to the Line of Actual Control continues to exist, the northern borders have remained calm.

However, India is in the process of beefing up its borders with China through raising of a mountain brigade, deployment of modern artillery and tanks besides creating greater airfield infrastructure among others.

(With Agency inputs)