Beijing, December 16

On a key visit to China after his predecessor was denied visa, the head of Indian Army’s Northern Command has held talks with top defence officials here, focussing on fighting terror and maintaining peace on the Ladakh border, where many PLA incursions have occurred.Lt General DS Hooda, who is heading a six-member military delegation of top officials of his Command, arrived here on December 14 on a six-day visit to interact with his counterparts and to visit some of the military command centres which look after the India-China border.He held talks with General Qi Jianguo, Deputy Chief of General Staff, at the People’s Liberation Army Headquarters yesterday during which the two sides stressed on the need to ensure peace and tranquility along the border, an Indian Embassy statement said. Both sides hoped to further strengthen the bilateral defence exchanges by enhancing the frequency of interactions.“Both sides agreed that in the recent past, the political and military interaction between the two countries has increased which has been instrumental in achieving the aim of the leaders,” it said. — PTI

On 6-day visit to China

• Lt Gen DS Hooda, head of Army’s Northern Command, is heading a six-member delegation on a six-day visit to China
• He met Gen Qi Jianguo, Deputy Chief of General Staff, and both sides focused on strengthening defence exchanges by enhancing interaction between the two armies