India and China have agreed to enhance bilateral defence exchanges for strengthening mutual trust and confidence. During the annual defence dialogue held in New Delhi on Friday, both sides also discussed the programme of defence exchanges next year. They also shared regional and global security perceptions.

The Indian side was led by the Defence Secretary, Mr. Shashi Kant Sharma. Gen. Ma Xiaotian, Deputy Chief of General Staff, PLA led the Chinese side. Defence Spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said, it was noted that existing confidence building measures on the LAC between both countries were successful in maintaining peace and tranquility on the borders.

It was decided that such measures would continue to be implemented. Both sides agreed that the process of dialogue and communication should be strengthened at various levels to ensure stability in the border areas. Both sides agreed that the provisions of the 2005 Protocol for implementation of CBMs on the LAC should be strictly adhered to by both sides so that peace and tranquility is maintained in the border areas.

It was also noted that the strengthening of the institutional mechanism for border discussions, which is expected to be operationalised soon through the establishment of a working level mechanism, would improve communications on important border related issues.

The Chinese delegation also called on the Defence Minister Mr. AK Antony. Mr. Antony expressed his satisfaction at the positive and constructive discussions during the talks and stated that both sides should work towards increasing mutual trust and confidence, as this

was for the benefit of both countries. He expressed the hope that high level exchanges between the defence establishments of both sides would further nurture the process of dialogue. He conveyed an invitation to the Chinese Defence Minister to visit India at a mutually convenient time.

The Chinese delegation also called on Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Nirmal Verma at South Block .