New Delhi, Oct 9 (UNI) India and Lesotho today agreed to enhance defence cooperation especially training of Armed Forces personnel of the South African enclave in Indian institutions.

During a meeting here, Indian Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor and visiting Commander of the Lesotho Defence Forces Lt Gen ET Motanyane also discussed lending impetus to bilateral sports and adventure activities, said an official spokesperson.

Lt Gen Motanyane is currently on a weeklong visit to India which shall also take him to various Army training establishments and the Northern Command. The visit assumes special significance in the light of enhanced defence cooperation between India and Lesotho.

India has maintained good relations with Lesotho. Defence cooperation, as part of defence diplomacy, has been an important tool towards enhancing this friendship.

Defence cooperation between the two countries got a boost after signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of Training Team in 2001. Since then, the Indian Army Training Team was providing quality training to the Lesotho Defence Forces besides providing valuable advice to them on various security-related issues.

Consequently, cooperation between the two armies has enhanced in the field of attendance on courses, exchange of observers in exercises and visits.

Lt Gen Motanyane, who is accompanied by a four-member delegation, was also expected to interact with Defence Secretary Vijay Singh and other dignitaries before returning home on October 12.

UNI