Wednesday, December 29 2004 15:43 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Beijing: India has invited China to join anti-terrorism exercises in a further sign of growing military ties between both the countries.

"We invite China to join our military exercises in non-traditional security," Army Chief General N C Vij was quoted by Xinhua news agency as telling Chinese Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan during talks yesterday (Dec 28, 2004).

Concluding his eight-day visit to China, the first by an Indian Army Chief in over a decade, Vij today (Dec 29, 2004) called on Chinese Vice President, Zeng Qinghong and exchanged views on bilateral relations and other issues of common interest.

India may invite Chinese officers to observe its military drills, which Vij said is a move in response to China inviting Indian officers to a Chinese military exercise in September, the agency said.

"We should expand the ongoing frequent personnel exchanges to officers at all levels, including junior ones," it said quoting Vij.

China-India military ties constitute an important part of the bilateral relations, Cao said.

China opened up many of its Defence facilities as part of the conscious effort by Beijing to enhance mutual trust and understanding between both the countries, Xinhua said.

The visit of the Indian Army Chief comes ahead of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabaos scheduled visit to India in March 2005.