India to discuss joint anti-terror operations with China

In a first-ever meeting between a serving armed forces chief and the Chinese Vice President, Chief of Army Staff General J J Singh will call on Zeng Qinghong during his eight-day trip to China beginning tomorrow.

In a first-ever meeting between a serving armed forces chief and the Chinese Vice President, Chief of Army Staff General J J Singh will call on Zeng Qinghong during his eight-day trip

to China beginning tomorrow. He will also deliberate on issues like joint counter-terrorism operations and enhanced military cooperation.

Leading a tri-services delegation in his capacity as Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, Singh told The Indian Express here today that a proposal for joint exercises has been put forth, the details of which are being worked out by the working groups of both the

countries.

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Speaking on the sidelines of a defence function, Singh said: “Till now the militaries of both the nations have participated as observers in each other’s exercises, but now for enhanced cooperation, the possibility of joint military exercises is being looked into.”

Chinese participation in courses of instruction in the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and the National Defence College (NDC) is also in the pipeline. So far, Chinese presence has only been in the Pachmarhi-based Army Education Corps centre, where two Chinese Army officers are learning English.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister A K Antony said current talks with China were a step towards improving relations.