Beijing : India and China signed the Border Defence Cooperation Agreement on Wednesday after a stand-off along their disputed frontier in April fuelled fears of conflict between the Asian giants. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, visiting Beijing to seek a breakthrough in the border row that has soured relations for decades, witnessed the signing of the pact alongside Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
The agreement will “help to maintain peace, tranquillity and stability in our border areas”, Li said following the ceremony. No further details were immediately available, but it was expected to include provisions for better communications between the two armies.
Singh told reporters: “We account for 2.5 billion people on this Earth and when India and China shake hands, the world notices.” The frontier agreement will add to the existing instruments to ensure peace, stability and predictability on our borders”, he added.
Singh also raised the issue of stapled visas to two Indian women archers from Arunachal Pradesh by the Chinese Embassy in Delhi.