Chushul(J-K) Jan 27 : Keen to develop a long lasting friendship between border forces, Indian and Chinese security forces held a flag meeting at Chushul in Ladakh on Monday.

Sino-Indian border personnel meetings and flag meetings are guided by a mechanism that has been in vogue as a viable means to promote of Confidence Building Measures (CBM)).

The Indian Army received the Chinese delegation.

The flags of the two countries hoisted on the occasion and a cultural programme was also organised by the Chushul Garrison.

Brigadier Somnath Jha, Commandant of Indian Army''s 114 Brigade based at Chushul who led the Indian delegation talked of the growing relation between the two countries.

"The relationship has grown rapidly from revolving around a volatile border dispute to one that is now encompasses, complex, political and economic connections," said Brigadier. Jha.

Describing meeting of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh with Chinese President Hu Jintao and visit of Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee last year as successful, Chinese senior Colonel Deng Guo Hua appreciated the success of the recent Sino-India joint anti-terrorism exercise in Belgaum, Karnataka.

Such friendly interactions have played a significant role in promoting and strengthening mutual confidence between both forces.

Reportedly both sides agreed to further intensify efforts to ensure peace and tranquility in the region in line with the border peace and tranquility accord signed in 1993.

China and India held the anti-terrorism exercise in a show of cooperation between the two long time rivals a week after armed militants attacked Mumbai.

India and China held their first such joint military exercise in 2007. (ANI)