India, China agree to ensure peace along border

New Delhi: India and China have agreed to ensure peace and tranquility along the border areas.

During the bilateral discussions held between Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and China's Central Military Commission General Fan Changlong the two sides stressed on the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas for cooperation in diverse areas.

The two sides agreed to implement consensus reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping to ensure peace and tranquility along the border.

"India and China agree to further enhance communications and exchanges between the two Armed Forces," tweeted Defence Ministry spokesperson Sitanshu Kar.

Parrikar and General Fan also condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and agreed to strengthen cooperation to fight terrorism. Parrikar also offered to share India's expertise in fighting terrorism through joint exercises.

The two sides were of the view that peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas is the cornerstone for smooth development of bilateral relations in diverse areas. They felt that two armed forces shoulder important responsibilities for maintenance of peace and agreed to further enhance communications and exchanges between the two armed forces.

They welcomed the operationalisation of additional border personnel meeting points. They reviewed the ongoing exchanges and expressed satisfaction at the bilateral military exercise Hand-in-Hand.

Taking note of the intensification of defence exchanges, the Indian side welcomed the proposal for the visit of Commander of Lanzhou Military region to India early next year.

Gen. Fan extended an invitation to Parrikar to visit China. The Defence Minister has accepted the invitation and the dates will be decided through diplomatic channels.

This is the highest level defence delegation to visit India in the recent years. The visit signifies the enhanced defence exchanges between India and China.