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China, India sign MoU on defence co-operation
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| 31 May 2006 |
By Robert Karniol JDW Asia-Pacific Editor
Bangkok
China and India have formalised their nascent defence relationship through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in Beijing on 29 May.
Military confidence-building measures have so far included expanded contact at senior levels and the start of a joint exercise programme. The latter included joint naval manoeuvres held for the first time in 2003 and an agreement in 2004 on exchanging military exercise observers. Further, under an agreement finalised in 2005, the two sides moved to ease tension along their disputed border.
The new MoU pledges the two countries to establish "frequent exchanges" between senior defence officials and military leaders. There will also be an annual defence dialogue to "review progress in the defence exchanges, make suggestions for the future and to exchange views on international, security and strategic issues".
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