COAS during Army Day Parade
COAS during Army Day Parade

New Delhi. 15 January, 2016. India wants to have constructive engagement with China along the northern borders, Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag stated, and reiterated in quick succession since the Army Day press conference that there has been significant improvement in understanding between the two countries on the boundary front.

Even though intrusions have taken place in the disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control, there has been a significant improvement in understanding between the two countries, he said, while addressing the Army Day parade.

On relations with China, he said that face offs on the Line of Actual Control have come down this year from the previous year and that a hotline between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of Indian and Chinese armies should be up and about in a the very near future.

Recently two new border personnel meeting (BPM) points at Daulat Beig Oldie in Jammu & Kashmir and Kibithu were made operational. Another BPM point in the Barahoti plains is under consideration. At present, three hotlines exist between the Armies of the two countries at Spamgur Gap, Nathula and Bumla– the three locations where the two sides meet for Border Personnel Meetings. These hotlines are between Brigadier-level officers .