India, China set up military hotline in north Sikkim

The Indian Army said on Sunday that a military hotline has been established with the Chinese side in north Sikkim to boost the spirit of trust and cordial relations between the two countries along the Line of Actual Control in the region, The Hindu reported. A hotline is a direct telephone line connection between two parties.

“The inauguration was attended by ground commanders of the respective Armies and a message of friendship and harmony was exchanged through the Hotline,” the Army said in a statement.

The event coincided with People’s Liberation Army Day on August 1, it said. The day is celebrated to commemorate the founding of the People’s Liberation Army in China.

The hotline is between the Indian Army in Kongra La, North Sikkim, and China’s People’s Liberation Army at Khamba Dzong in the Tibetan Autonomous Region, the statement said.

“The armed forces of the two countries have well-established mechanisms for communication at ground commanders level,” the Army said, according to PTI. “These hotlines in various sectors go a long way in enhancing the same and maintaining peace and tranquility at the borders.”

India and China already have two military hotlines in eastern Ladakh – at Chushul and Daulat Beg Oldi in the Union Territory. In February, the foreign ministers of India…

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