India,China discuss defence cooperation pact at talks

India and China Monday agreed peace and tranquility on the border are key to bilateral relations,as the two-day meeting of a working group was held in Beijing.

The fourth meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India Border Affairs concluded on a positive note during which officials are understood to have discussed the proposed Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA),aimed at more comprehensively dealing with tensions related to patrolling by both sides along the border. The mechanism headed by Foreign Ministry officials of both countries was formed to address problems between troops at the borders. The meeting was held in a candid,constructive and forward looking atmosphere,a Ministry of External Affairs statement said Monday.

Reviewing recent developments in the India-China border areas,especially in the Western Sector,the two delegations agreed that peace and tranquility on the border is the basis for continued expansion of India-China relations, it said. To this end,both sides discussed further measures to maintain stability on the border,building on existing understandings and arrangements, the statement said.

Chinese troops intruding into Depsang Valley earlier this year had led to diplomatic tension between the two countries.

The Indian delegation was led by Gautam Bambawale,Joint Secretary (East Asia). It included representatives of ministries of Defence and Home Affairs as well as members of the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police.