Indian troops were on Wednesday joined by their compatriots from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in celebrating the Republic Day at Chushul on the Ladakh-Tibet frontier.
A border personnel meeting was organised between India and China at an Indian forward post to celebrate the Republic Day. The Chinese delegation led by senior Colonel Fan Jun was received by the Indian Army troops led by Brigadier Y.K. Joshi. A spokesperson of Army’s Northern Command, K.S. Rathi said that the Indian national flag was hoisted and both the Chinese and Indian delegations saluted it. “The get together was held in an atmosphere of mutual trust and camaraderie, greetings were exchanged by both the sides and sweets served to the visitors,” he said. The spokesperson added that both sides agreed to maintain peace, stability and tranquillity in the region in consonance with Border Peace and Tranquillity Agreements.
At the end of the meeting, both delegations saluted the tricolor and the Chinese delegation was escorted back to Line of Actual Control. The friendly interactions between the two forces have played a significant role in promoting and strengthening bonds of friendship, mutual trust and confidence between the two armies. India and China have signed two landmark agreements, namely, Peace and Tranquillity Agreement in 1993 and Confidence Building Measures in 1996. “The border meetings also pave the way for greater interaction between facing forces. Such meetings in eastern Ladakh sector are held six times a year,” he said.