(a) whether an Indo-Chinese anti-terrorism consultation group has been constituted to secure Chinese Cooperation to tackle the menace of terrorism including cross border terrorism;
(b) if so, the precise objective of the group;
(c) whether any meeting of the group has so far been held; and
(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the observations and suggestions made by the group?
THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI JASWANT SINGH)
(a)-(b): Yes, Sir. India and China have established an annual dialogue mechanism on counter-terrorism.
(c): The first meeting of the India-China dialogue mechanism on counter terrorism was held in New Delhi on 23 April, 2002.
(d): Both sides shared their national experiences on dealing with terrorism, exchanged views on the international counter terrorism situation including developments in the region, cooperation at the United Nations and possibilities of bilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed that the first meeting of the dialogue mechanism was useful in enhancing mutual understanding. The next round is expected to be held in Beijing early next year.