India and China have decided to have maritime cooperation to build confidence. This was decided at the talks between the External Affairs Minister S. M Krishna and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi in New Delhi today. They also discussed a host of crucial issues including boundary dispute. The talks focused on the preparations and outcome document for the Summit of the five-nation grouping BRICS – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The Summit will be held in New Delhi at the month-end.

S.M. Krishna later told that every possible issue that is raised whenever India-China dialogue takes place was discussed today and both sides have understood each other's position. He said the two sides will continue the exchange of views.

The decision to have maritime cooperation dialogue is significant in the context of the territorial issue of South China sea where India has interest in Vietnamese oil blocks. It will also include cooperation at the level of defence, navy and coastguard.