India-China Defence Dialogue To Be Held On December 15

The second Annual Defence Dialogue (ADD) between India and China will take place in New Delhi on Monday (December 15). Defence Secretary Vijay Singh will lead the Indian side while the Chinese side will be led by Lt. General Ma Xiaotian, Deputy Chief of General Staff, People's Liberation Army (PLA). Currently the Chinese delegation is in India from December 10.

The upcoming ADD is likely to hold discussion on issues like terrorism, bilateral defence cooperation and security issues. Both the sides will also exchange views on regional and security issues. The ADD offers a viable platform for both the neighbouring nations to consolidate defence cooperation. Apart from these, the defence polices of both the countries are likely to discussed at the meeting. Annual exchange visit programmes between the defence forces of both the nations will also be discussed.

India and China had oragnised their fist ADD in Beijing in November 2007. During that meeting, Defence Minister AK Antony and Lt. General Ma Xiaotian discussed various matters pertaining to security scenario, terrorism and bilateral defence cooperation. The Chinese delegation later made a visit to Belgaum in India from December11-12. India and China also organised a joint military exercise during that time.