India-China defence dialogue to be held on Dec. 15

New Delhi, Dec 12 (ANI): India and China will hold their second Annual Defence Dialogue (ADD) in New Delhi on Monday.

The Indian side will be led by the Defence Secretary Vijay Singh and Lt. General Ma Xiaotian, Deputy Chief of General Staff, People's Liberation Army (PLA) will lead the Chinese side.

The Chinese delegation is currently in India from December 10-16.

The ADD is an important mechanism for holding bilateral talks on defence cooperation between India and China.

It is also a forum for exchange of views on regional and security issues between the two countries.

The first ADD was held in Beijing in November 2007. In second ADD, the two sides are expected to discuss various issues including "Regional Security and Defence Policy" and annual exchange visit programmes between their defence forces.

Lt. General Ma Xiaotian had called on Defence Minister AK Antony on December 10 and discussed various matters pertaining to security scenario, terrorism and bilateral defence cooperation.

The Chinese delegation later visited Belgaum from December11-12 and witnessed the joint India-China training exercises. (ANI)