Beijing, June 24: Supporting multilateral negotiations aimed at nuclear disarmament, India and China today firmly opposed introduction of weapons in outer space and sought "equal security" for all at progressively lower levels of armament. They agreed on the need to "broaden and deepen" defence exchanges which will help enhance mutual understanding and trust between the two armed forces.

Exchange of visits by the defence ministers and of military officials at various levels should be strengthened, said a joint declaration signed by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao, copies of which were made available to the media today.

The two sides acknowledged the vital importance of the role of the United Nations, world peace, stability and development and agreed to work together to promote UN reforms.

While carrying out reforms of the UN Security Council "priority" should be given to enhancing representation of developing countries, the document said.

"Both sides stood for continued multilateral arms control and disarmament process, undiminished and equal security for all at progressively lower levels of armament and for multilateral negotiations aimed at nuclear disarmament and elimination of nuclear weapons," it said.
Opposing introduction of weapons in outer space, it said they were against use or threat of use against space-based objects and supported cooperation in the development of space technology for peaceful purposes.

Bureau Report