Indian Treaty Series

Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of India and the Ministry of National Defence of the People’s Republic of China for Exchanges and Cooperation in the field of Defence

Pursuant to the Declaration on Principles for Relations and Comprehensive Cooperation between India and China signed in June 2003 and the Joint Statement signed in April 2005 by the Prime Minster of the Republic of India and the Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of India and the Ministry of National Defence of the People’s Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as “the two sides”) are committed, in accordance with the relevant purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, to developing the strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity between India and China. Such a partnership is based on the principles of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, mutual respect and sensitivity for each other’s concerns and aspirations and equality.

The two sides note the utility of confidence building measures between them, including their armed forces.

The two sides reiterate that strengthening effective contacts in the field of defence is of vital importance to enhancing mutual trust and understanding between their two armed forces, ensuring a peaceful environment in which they can pursue their respective national development objectives, and maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world at large. In order to broaden and deepen defence exchanges between the two countries, the two sides have, through friendly consultations, reached the following understanding:

ARTICLE 1

(a) Maintain frequent exchanges between the leaders and high-level functionaries of the Defence Ministries and the armed forces of India and China. An annual programme of exchange of visits will be worked out through consultations for timely implementations;

(b) Convene an Annual Defence Dialogue at a mutually agreed level, to be hosted alternately by the two sides. The dialogue will review progress in defence exchanges and make suggestions for future exchanges. It will also exchange views on international, security and strategic issues;

(c) Endeavour to hold joint military exercises and/or training programmes in the fields of search and rescue, anti-piracy, counter-terrorism and other areas of mutual interest. Each side will invite senior military officers of the other side to witness designated military exercises;

(d) Establish a mechanism of study tours for each other’s senior and middle level military officers and relevant civilian officials, in order to facilitate better understanding of foreign, defence and national development policies of the host side, and participation in seminars and discussions on themes to be agreed upon. Specific arrangements will be decided through consultations;

(e) Establish a mechanism for military officers to study in the military academies of the other side to be identified by the host side. Carry out exchanges between counterpart military academies. The number of officers and academies involved in the above-mentioned exchanges can be increased if necessary; and

(f) Have exchanges in other mutually agreed fields to be decided through consultations.

ARTICLE 2

For the high level delegations as undertaken under clause (a) of Article 1 and other delegations designated by the two sides, on the basis of balance and reciprocity, the host will bear the local expenses for boarding, lodging and transportation. Other delegations will be self-financed. The delegations may comprise both military and civilian officials. The host will facilitate the visits and assist with visa and other travel arrangements, as necessary.

ARTICLE 3

This Memorandum of Understanding shall come into effect on signature by the two sides. It shall remain in force for five years unless terminated in advance by either side giving written notice for termination at least three months in advance. At the end of the five-year period, the Memorandum of Understanding shall be automatically extended by another five-years, unless either side gives written notice for its non-extension at least three months before the expiry date.

Done at Beijing on May 29, 2006 in two originals, each in the Hindi, Chinese and English languages, all texts being equally authentic. In case of any divergence in interpretation, the English text shall prevail.

Sd/-
Defence Minister
of the Republic of India

Sd/-
Defence Minister
of the People’s Republic of China