Question : INDIA CHINA MEETING

(a) whether meetings between India and China have been held from time to time for discussion on various bilateral issues as well as Indo-China border issue;

(b) the number of meeting held so far between the two countries;

(c) whether the Government has sent a small delegation to China reducing the size of its military delegation showing restraint on the important issue linked to border despite denial of visa to an officer of Indian force;

(d) whether declaration of a joint mechanism on border issues is anticipated following talks held so far; and

(e) if so, the complete details in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS(SMT. PRENEET KAUR)

(a) & (b) India and China have established an elaborate dialogue architecture to discuss all the issues of mutual interest and concern including the Boundary Question. In 2003, India and China agreed to each appoint a Special Representative to explore from the political perspective of the overall bilateral relationship the framework for a boundary settlement. There have been 15 meetings of the Special Representatives so far, the most recent one in January 2012.

(c) A 15-member Indian Armed Forces delegation visited China from 10-13 January 2012 as part of the annual defence exchanges between the two countries.

(d) & (e) During the 15th round of Talks between the Special Representatives, India and China signed an Agreement on the Establishment of a Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs. The 1st meeting of this Working Mechanism was successfully held in Beijing on 5-6 March, 2012.