The Change Mariner

India, China conduct joint naval exercises for first time

PakTribune:
Joint exercises by Indian and Chinese Navies began in the East China Sea Friday, a watershed event that could pave the way for enhanced defence cooperation between one time military rivals.

This is the first joint military exercise between the giant Asian neighbours and the world's two most populous nations that had fought a border war in 1962 but have forged close ties in recent years, reports IANS news agency.

An Indian defence ministry statement said the three frontline Indian warships - guided missile destroyer INS Ranjit, guided missile corvette Kulish and fleet replenishment tanker INS Jyoti - were accorded a "tumultuous welcome" as they arrived in Shanghai harbour on Monday at the start of a five-day visit.

"The Indian naval ships entered Shanghai harbour to a tumultuous welcome with the 30 odd ships and submarines of the Chinese Navy berthed either side of the harbour in Huanpu Jyang area, hoisting banners reading Welcome to China)," it said.