SRINAGAR: The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Saturday hosted an Indian Army delegation in the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) area along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh sector of Jammu and Kashmir for the first time ever.
“A ceremonial Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) on the occasion of PLA Day was conducted at Chinese BPM Hut in Moldo Garrison in DBO sector (Chushul) in Eastern Ladakh today,” Defence spokesman Colonel Goswami said.
He said it was for the first time that Chinese army hosted an Indian Army delegation in the area of Daulat Beg Oldie.
Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a 2-day stand-off in DBO in May 2013. The stand-off ended after diplomacy between the two countries. The two countries were again involved in standoff in Chumar and Demchok areas of eastern Ladakh last year.
“Both Indian and Chinese army delegations interacted in a free, congenial and cordial environment at DBO. The delegation parted amidst feeling of friendship and commitment towards enhancing the existing cordial relations and maintaining peace along the LAC,” Col Goswami said.
He said the Indian delegation was led by Brigadier JKS Virk and Chinese side was led by Senior Colonel Chen Zheng Shan.
The defence spokesman said the BPM on the occasion of PLA Day is conducted every year by Chinese troops with great enthusiasm.
“The occasion was marked by salutations to the Chinese National flag and was followed by ceremonial address by both delegation leaders,” he said adding the proceedings reflected the mutual desire of maintaining and improving relations at functional level at the border.
Goswami said a cultural programme showcasing vibrant Chinese culture and traditional grandeur was also organized, followed by a banquet.