A.K ANTONY CALLS FOR CLOSER MILITARY TIES BETWEEN INDIA AND CHINA

Antony calls for closer military ties

Between India and China

Calling for closer military ties between India and China, Defence Minister A K Antony today said that it would be easy to maintain peace along the borders if both the forces have trust, mutual respect and confidence. 'If the military leadership on both sides from the top to the ground formations can maintain both trust and mutual respect, and confidence, then it is easy to maintain peace and tranquility at the border areas,' Antony told Political Commissar of National Defence University General u Yazhou. Antony visited the academy of People's Liberation Army here today on the second day of his official visit.During the meeting, the defence minister and Liu agreed to enhance military exchanges between the two countries.Antony yesterday held wide ranging discussions withChinese Premier Li Keqiang and Defence Minister Gen Cheng Wanquan on a host of issues including maintaining peace and tranquility at the borders.In his interaction with Liu, Antony recalled his meetingwith Premier Li and Gen Cheng.

'India and China are close neighbors  Our relations are expanding in many areas,' he said, adding he had a detailed discussions with the Chinese leadership on bilateral ties.'Both sides are and have clear consensus that we must maintain peace tranquility and stability at our borders. In that endeavour military-to-military cooperation is an important aspect,' he said.Accompaniedby a high-powered delegation consisting of top officials from Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, Antony went round the sprawling 15,000 sq mts varsity campus evincing keen interest in China's defence forces' training programmes for the officers of all its three forces. Officials said Antony had expressed interest to visit the top military academy to study the Chinese pattern as India has recently launched its National Defence University in New Delhi which was expected to be ready in the next few years. Indian officials said that efforts are on currently toevolve combined training programmes for all the forces.

Prof. John Kurakar