India, China troops hold meet along border

UDHAMPUR: Weeks ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China, Indian and Chinese troops held the third meeting in a fortnight, in Ladakh sector of Jammu and Kashmir and batted for maintaining peace and tranquility along the border.

"A ceremonial Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) was held today at Chinese side in Chushul Sector in eastern Ladakh (in Jammu and Kashmir)," Public Relation officer (PRO), Jammu, Col S D Goswami said.

The delegations were led by Brigadier J K S Virk from the Indian side and Senior Colonel Fanjun from the Chinese side.

This is third meeting of neighbouring troops on the two sides of Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh sector in the past fortnight. The earlier meetings took place on April 14 and 24.

Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit China on May 14-16.

The meeting was composed of exchange of greetings, and reflected the mutual desire of maintaining and improving relations of functional levels on the border. A cultural programme showcasing vibrant Chinese culture and traditional grandeur was organised, followed by sumptuous lunch.

Goswami said that both sides also expressed commitment to build on the mutual feeling of upholding the treaties and agreement signed between the governments of the two sides, to maintain peace and tranquility along the LAC.

"Both the delegations interacted in a free, congenial and cordial environment. The delegations parted amidst feeling of friendship and commitment towards enhancing the exciting cordial relations and maintaining peace along LAC," he said.