NEW DELHI, March 29: The Chinese and Indian defence ministers agreed Monday on measures to strengthen links between their armed forces, officials said, in a new sign of improving ties between the two most populous nations.

Chinese Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan, who arrived in India Friday, was given a ceremonial guard of honour before he met his Indian counterpart, George Fernandes. Delegation-level talks were also held, an official said.

"Both sides presented new proposals to strengthen and develop defence exchanges and confidence-building," India's defence ministry said in a statement.

They had both invited each other's officers to witness military exercises in the "interest of building familiarity, trust and confidence", it said. "It was agreed that training, including Chinese-language training in defence institutions in India, sports and cultural exchanges and friendly interaction between border personnel would be increased."

"It was felt that an early resolution of the boundary question would give a boost to bilateral relations," the Indian statement added. Cao said before leaving Beijing his trip was aimed at creating a "peaceful regional, political and security environment with all Asian countries".

Cao called on Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee before leaving for the Taj Mahal city of Agra from where he is due to fly to Thailand on Tuesday. -AFP