Indian Defence Minister is in China on a five-day visit. The one-time foes are closer to signing a memorandum of understanding on military cooperation and training.

Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies) – China and India pledged to deepen military cooperation during a visit by Indian Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, the latest sign of warming relations between the two Asian neighbours and one-time foes.

The Indian Defence Ministry said the accord will institutionalise training, exercises and other contacts between the two countries' armed forces.

"During the visit, the two sides are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on exchanges and co-operation in the field of defence," the Indian embassy said.

Chinese Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan said that his country was in favour of greater co-operation with India, China's Xinhua news agency reporter after talks between the two, but it did not provide any details.

Since arriving on the mainland on Sunday, Mr Mukherjee has also met Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing , who said the two sides would "push forward the all-round deeper development of the two countries' strategic and co-operative relations", according to a statement on the Foreign Ministry's website.

Mr Mukherjee is scheduled to meet Premier Wen Jiabao today.

During his five-day trip, Mr Mukherjee would visit military bases in Beijing and Shanghai.

Yesterday he visited the Beijing Aerospace Command and Control Centre.

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