India, China armies resume talks

But analysts say the visit, which ends a suspension of such contacts following a visa row last year, is a step forward in keeping a balance in ties between the emerging rivals for global influence and resources.

New Delhi feels Beijing is trying to encircle and pin India down to South Asia with a string of military bases on the Indian Ocean rim.

While trade and diplomatic ties between the Asian powers are booming, the lack of defence exchanges is an aberration analysts say must be remedied for the world's fastest growing economies to achieve lasting peace.

"It is symbolic and I cautiously welcome it. It does not represent any breakthrough in solving the disputes," said Uday Bhaskar, director of New-Delhi based think-tank National Maritime Foundation.

Copyright Reuters, 2011