China, India discuss terror from Pak, Afghan situation

India and China on Friday agreed to set up a dedicated communication channel to boost security cooperation as Home Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with China’s security czar on issues like cross-border terrorism from Pakistan and the Afghan situation.

During discussions between Singh and Meng Jianzhu, who oversees internal and external security, both the sides agreed to set up an exclusive communication channel between their home ministries for speedier communication on terror-related issues. 

“There was a lot of discussion on terrorism,” Singh said after his meeting with Meng, who has replaced former national security head Zho Yongkong, who was sentenced to life for corruption and abuse of power.

To the surprise of Singh and Indian officials, Meng, who is the head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC), was also joined by State Councillor and Interior Minister Guo Shengkun. Besides Meng and Guo the meeting was attended by several vice ministers and top officials, Singh said.

Guo had a lengthy meeting with Singh on Thursday during which both sides agreed to form a ministerial committee on security related issues, creating a platform for the first time to have an annual review of cooperation on terrorism, cyber security, cross border crimes and drug trafficking.

Most importantly both the sides discussed terrorism concerns faced by them from Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Singh said all issues relating to India's concerns were flagged in the talks, including New Delhi's perception that Beijing blocked its move to get the UN to take action against Pakistan for the release of Mumbai attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi.

In July this year, Indian officials at the UN's Sanctions Committee said India's demand to take action against Pakistan for the release of Lakhvi was blocked by China on the pretext that New Delhi did not provide sufficient information.

China subsequently defended its action, saying its stand was “based on facts and in the spirit of objectiveness and fairness” and expressed desire to discuss the issue with India.

“We have raised the issue and exchanged information," Singh said. Singh’s talks with Chinese officials broadly covered India’s concerns over leaders of several militant groups from the northeastern states taking shelter in China as well as illegal arms supplies.