Modi speaks to Italian PM Georgia Meloni, thanks her for Italy G7 Summit invitation
The G7 Summit is scheduled to be held in Italy from June 13-15.
Press Trust of India
BEIJING, 6 JULY: Calling for closer military ties between India and China, Defence Minister A K Antony today said: “If the military leadership on both sides from the top to the ground formations can maintain both trust and mutual respect, and confidence, then it is easy to maintain peace and tranquility at the border areas.” As told to political commissar of National Defence University General Liu Yazhou.
Antony visited the academy of People’s Liberation Army here today on the second day of his official visit.
During the meeting, the defence minister and Mr Liu agreed to enhance military exchanges between the two countries.
Mr Antony yesterday held wide-ranging discussions with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Defence Minister General Cheng Wanquan on a host of issues including maintaining peace and tranquility at the borders.
In his interaction with Mr Liu, Mr Antony recalled his meeting with Premier Li and Gen. Cheng.
“India and China are close neighbours. Our relations are expanding in many areas,” he said, adding that he had a detailed discussions with the Chinese leadership on bilateral ties.
“Both sides are and have clear consensus that we must maintain peace tranquility and stability at our borders. In that endeavour military-to-military cooperation is an important aspect,” he said.
Accompanied by a high-powered delegation consisting of top officials from Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, Mr Antony went round the sprawling 15,000 square meters varsity campus evincing keen interest in China’s defence forces’ training programmes for the officers of all its three forces.
Officials said Mr Antony had expressed interest to visit the top military academy to study the Chinese pattern as India has recently launched its National Defence University in New Delhi which was expected to be ready in the next few years. Indian officials said that efforts are on currently to evolve combined training programmes for all the forces.
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