Indian, Chinese army personnel meet on border in Kashmir

Indian and Chinese army personnel met on the border in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir Tuesday on the occasion of the north Indian harvest festival of Baisakhi, a defence statement said.

“A ceremonial border personnel meeting was held today (on Tuesday) between Indian Army and Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) of China on the occasion of ‘Baisakhi Festival’,” the statement issued from the army’s Northern Command in Udhampur town near here.

“The meeting was held in Chushul Sector of Eastern Ladakh. The delegations were lead by Brigadier J.K.S. Virk of the Indian side and a senior colonel from the Chinese side,’ it said, adding the meeting included a “ceremonial address by both delegations leaders which was composed of exchange of greetings, wishes, vote of thanks and reflected the mutual desire of maintaining and improving relations at the functional level on the border”.

“Thereafter a cultural programme showcasing the vibrant Indian culture and traditional grandeur was organised by the Indian Army,” it said, adding the delegations interacted in a “free, congenial and cordial environment”.

“The delegations parted amidst feeling of friendship and commitment towards enhancing the existing cordial relations and maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

“Both sides also sought to build on the mutual feeling of upholding the treaties and agreements signed between the governments of the two countries to maintain peace and tranquility along the LAC,” the statement added.