International

India China plans defence exercise for ease tension

Beijing: Joint defence exercises being planned by the India and China militaries later this year would send a positive signal to ease recent border tensions and build trust between them following recurring troop incursions, analysts said on Tuesday.

Both sides are scheduled to conduct the exercises from November 4 to 14 in the Chengdu Military Command area in China. The exercises will involve about 150 troops from both sides, mostly focusing on anti-terrorism drills. This is the third time the drills would be held between two of the world’s largest militaries.

Sun Shihai, an Indian studies scholar at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the resumption of the joint military drills by Beijing and New Delhi after five years indicates an improvement in understanding and mutual trust.

About the reports of recurring incursions by Chinese troops along LAC he said, “It is very common to have disputes between neighbours, and it takes effort and time to establish mutual trust, but bilateral agreements and coordination mechanisms are the basis of resolving all the existing problems.”

Ding Hao, a researcher at the Academy of Military Sciences in Beijing, said the upcoming exercises are a good opportunity for the two militaries to further dispel suspicions. “Joint exercises are the most important among all levels and forms of military cooperation. The resumption signifies an incredibly fast recovery of military ties between Beijing and New Delhi,” Ding said.

“The two sides have both shown strong intentions to boost mutual trust by reopening dialogue and engaging in high-level exchanges after frictions,” Ding added.

The two governments launched a mechanism for consultation on border issues last year. But ties are still occasionally strained by territorial issues, he said. “Developing a stable and positive military relationship is based on joint efforts from both sides,” he said.

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