Article Posted on : - Apr 29, 2016

A file photo.

BEIJING (PTI): The militaries of China and India are conducting research and trying to reach consensus on how to establish hotlines between their headquarters at an early date, a top Chinese defence official said here on Thursday.

Ministry of National Defence spokesperson Colonel Wu Qian said that both sides should actively take efforts to push for the establishment of the hotline between their militaries and to enhance exchanges between the border troops on both sides to maintain peace and tranquility of the border areas.

"So far the competent department of the two sides are conducting research study and discussion on this matter and are trying to reach consensus on the relevant arrangement at an early date so as to enrich exchange and cooperation between the two sides in border areas," he added.

Colonel Wu said that the issue was discussed during Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's recent visit to China.

Wu said Parrikar's visit has given a "great boost" to the ties between the armed forces of the two countries.

"The two sides have agreed to enhance strategic communication and to further deepen practical cooperation and exchange in various fields, enhance mutual understanding and the integration of interests so as to seek win-win and mutually beneficial cooperation," he said.

"So this visit by the Indian defence Minister to China was a great boost to the bilateral relations especially to the relations between the two armed forces," he told a media briefing here while replying to question on how China viewed Parrikar s visit which took place between April 16 to 20.

During his visit, Parrikar met his Chinese counterpart Chang Wanquan, Vice Chairman of Central Military Commission Gen Fan Changlong and Premier Li Keqiang.

Parrikar told them that India attaches highest priority to relations with China and it was committed to further developing friendly and cooperative relations with China.

"The two sides exchanged views on wide ranging issues including the relations between the two countries and the two armed forces, cooperation in the defence field, the exchanges in border regions, cooperation and management of the border situation as well as regional and international issues of common interest," Wu added.