Chinese Defense Minister, Indian Prime Minister Vow To Boost Defense Cooperation- Ministry

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd August, 2018) Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to New Delhi, and the parties agreed to boost defense and security cooperation between their countries, Chinese Defense Ministry reported on Tuesday.

Wei expressed hope that his visit would help deepen military and security exchanges and cooperation, and build mutual trust, the ministry said.

Since China and India share a friendship dating back to ancient times with broad common interests, the two countries should join their efforts and strive for win-win cooperation of mutual benefit, Modi said.

Wei is also going to meet during the visit with his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss military cooperation and safeguarding border stability, the ministry noted.

The two countries regularly hold consultations to maintain peace on their border and avoid mutual provocations. India and China had a number of disputes in the past, including the 2017 disagreement over Beijing's decision to build infrastructure in the border area of Doklam, claimed by Bhutan and China.

The dispute resulted in a military standoff between China and India, which stated that it acted on behalf of Bhutan. In late August 2017, the sides agreed to disengage their forces in the area.