The 4th India-China annual defence dialogue (ADD) was conducted on December 9, 2011 in Delhi. The Indian side was led by the Defence Secretary, Shashi Kant Sharma and the Chinese by General Ma Xiaotian, Deputy Chief of General Staff, PLA.

ADD was established under the provisions of the memorandum of understanding for “Exchanges and Cooperation in the Field of Defence”, signed by the two in May 2006. The annual dialogue has been held alternatively in Beijing and New Delhi since 2006.

The 4th ADD was conducted in an atmosphere of cordiality and both sides were frank and constructive in their approach during the deliberations. They shared regional and global security perceptions and agreed that enhancement of defence exchanges between the armed forces of India and China would contribute to better understanding and mutual trust and confidence building.

They also discussed the programme of defence exchanges during 2012 and agreed that the range and scope of exchanges at various levels would be gradually enhanced.

It was noted that existing confidence building measures on the LAC between both countries were successful in maintaining peace and tranquillity on the borders. It was decided that such measures would continue to be implemented. They agreed that the process of dialogue and communication should be strengthened at various levels to ensure stability in the border areas. The provisions of the 2005 protocol for implementation of CBMs on the LAC should be strictly adhered to by both sides so that peace and tranquility is maintained in the border areas.

It was also noted that the strengthening of the institutional mechanism for border discussions, which is expected to be operationalised soon through the establishment of a working level mechanism, would improve communications on important border related issues.

The Chinese delegation also called on the Defence Minister A.K. Antony who expressed his satisfaction at the positive and constructive discussions during the ADD and stated that both sides should work towards increasing mutual trust and confidence, as this was for the benefit of both countries. He expressed the hope that high level exchanges between the defence establishments of both sides would further nurture the process of dialogue. He extended an invitation to the Chinese Defence Minister to visit India at a mutually convenient time.

The Chinese delegation also called on Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Nirmal Verma at South Block, New Delhi.