Hotline between PMs of India, China becomes operational

New Delhi, Dec 16 (PTI) The much-awaited hotline
between the prime ministers of India and China finally became
operational, thereby setting up a direct communication between
the leaders.
Noting that it was made operational "three-four days
ago", Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said "such
personal interactions are very important part of diplomacy
particularly between countries like Indian and China who are
driving many changes in the global order today."
She said "Our technical people have been working on it
for some time."
Referring to the setting up of the hotline, the joint
statement, issued after the talks between Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh and his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao, said
the two sides agreed on regular consultations between the two
leaders on issues of importance to both countries.