Defence Minister Mukherjee to visit China, Japan
Dated 22/5/2006
Printer Friendly
Subscribe
Japan:Indian Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee will arrive in Beijing May 28 on a historic five-day visit during which the once bitter enemies are expected to institutionalise a framework for regular military-to-military exchanges.
'The visit will be an important milestone and a major confidence building measure (CBM) in the progressive relations between India and China,' a defence ministry spokesman said Monday.
Mukherjee, who leaves here May 25, will first visit Japan before heading to Beijing.
'It is hoped Japanese defence industries will play a niche role in India's defence modernisation programme,' the spokesman maintained.
Senior officials of the ministries of defence and external affairs, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the three services will accompany the minister.
'India and China are expected to conclude a memorandum of understanding to institutionalise training and exercise exchanges and other contacts between the armed forces and defence officials and experts of the two countries,' the spokesman said.
'This is expected to serve as an instrument for a regular and sustained dialogue on defence and national defence issues between the two countries.'
India and China had fought a bruising border war in 1962. However, ties have been steadily improving since the mid-1980s and the two countries are today vigorously pursing economic and other exchanges, even as experts work on resolving the boundary dispute.
'Mukherjee will be laying emphasis on India's commitment to the development of a strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity between India and China on the basis of Panchsheel (the five principles for good neighbourly relations formulated in the 1950s),' the spokesman said.
'The discussions are expected to cover India's desire to broaden and deepen defence and military exchanges with China to enhance mutual trust and understanding between the two armed forces ensuring a peaceful environment in which they can pursue their national development objectives and maintaining peace and tranquillity in the region and the world at large.'
Mukherjee is expected to call on the highest level of the Chinese government and military leadership, besides meeting Chinese Minister of National Defence Gen. Cao Gangchuan, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and other high ranking provincial officials.
The Indian defence minister will also visit some of the military institutions and installations in Beijing, Lanzhou and Shanghai.
In Japan, Mukherjee will hold discussions with his counterpart, the director general of the Japanese Defence Agency. He is also expected to meet Japanese ministers for land, infrastructure and transport, and foreign affairs, as also the chief cabinet secretary.
'Among the issues likely to figure prominently during the discussions with Japanese dignitaries is the need for close defence cooperation between the two countries for promoting peace and stability in Asia,' the spokesman pointed out.
'At the global level, the issues are countering terrorism and extremism, stability of regional maritime traffic and promotion of cooperation in the areas of disaster management.'
The delegation is also expected to visit leading Japanese defence industries.
