PLA delegation in Kolkata for border talks

According to information given by Indian Army, a seven-member People's Liberation Army (PLA) delegation from China, led by Political Commissar, Chengdu Military Area Command, Lieutenant General Zhu Fuxi, arrived on a two-day visit to Headquarters Eastern Command of the Indian Army, based in Kolkata.

It has been learnt that the visit is among a series of initiatives by both armies to ensure better understanding of each other and to ensure peace and tranquility on the border between the two countries.

Eastern Command is responsible for a large stretch of border with China and the interaction took place between Lieutenant General Zhu Fuzi and Lieutenant General Manmohan Singh Rai, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Eastern Command.

The interaction was aimed at enhancing the 'confidence building measures' (CBM) along the Sino-Indian border.

The visit is also aimed at further strengthening the bond of friendship and cooperation between the two countries and their armies.

The visit facilitated resolving issues of mutual concern through discussion, dialogue and upholding principles of mutual trust and respect, which both countries have long cherished.

China and India are maintaining face-off in the Chumar sector in Ladakh along Line of Actual Control (LAC) for the past few weeks after Army reported Chinese incursion in the area.

According to defence ministry, about 1000 Chinese Army personnel crossed LAC and entered India.

Giving a befitting reply, India positioned about 1500 armed personnel to guard the area.

The incident did cast a shadow during the recent visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in India last week.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took up the issue with the visiting Chinese head of state and expressed his displeasure.

The visiting PLA delegation also visited a few landmark tourist attractions in the city including Victoria Memorial and the National Museum.