Beijing and New Delhi yesterday raised the possibility of further military exchanges.

The proposals, which it is hoped will enhance trust and understanding between the two armed forces, were put forward at a meeting between visiting Indian Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee and his Chinese counterpart Cao Gangchuan.

Cao said good neighbourly relations and mutually beneficial co-operation between China and India are in the interests of both peoples and were conducive to peace and stability throughout Asia and the world.

Noting that this year is the "China-India Friendship Year", Cao said he hoped Asia's two most populous nations would be able to build stronger ties between their armed forces.

Mukherjee reiterated India's commitment to developing a strategic partnership with China and greater interaction with the Chinese armed forces.

The Indian defence minister, who arrived on Sunday, kicked off his maiden official visit by visiting the Academy of Military Sciences of the People's Liberation Army.

He received a briefing from top experts at the academy and took part in a discussion on military technology.

He then met Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing to discuss Sino-Indian bilateral ties and the need to forge closer relations.

Mukherjee will call on Premier Wen Jiabao today before visiting military establishments in Lanzhou and Shanghai.

His Asian tour continues on Friday when he flies to Singapore.

Source: China Daily