Defence Minister A.K. Antony leaves Thursday on a four-day visit to China to discuss issues related to peace and tranquillity on the border, interactions between the armed forces of two countries and regional and global security.
An official release said Antony will be accompanied by a high-level delegation including Defence Secretary R.K.Mathur, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Command Lt General Dalbir Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral Satish Soni and other officers of defence ministry and armed forces.
The last visit of an Indian defence minister to China was in 2006 by Pranab Mukherjee.
During the visit, Antony will have formal delegation level talks with his counterpart, State Councillor and the Minister of National Defence Chang Wanquan.
"Both ministers are expected to discuss a number of issues, including those related to maintenance of peace and tranquillity on the border; exchanges and interactions between the armed forces of both sides and matters relating to regional and global security," the release said.