Antony rules out breaking defence ties with China

HYDERABAD - Amid the controversy over China’s denial of visa to Lieutenant General BS Jaswal, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Defence Minister A K Antony on Friday ruled out breaking defence ties with China.

“It is not the question of breaking defence ties with China. We have close ties with China though there could be some problems occasionally. There may be small problems here and there but the broader approach of defence ties would not be affected,” said Antony after laying the foundation stone of for expansion programme of Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd (MIDHANI) here.

India has reportedly decided to suspend its defence exchanges with China as a reaction to the denial of visa to Lieutenant General BS Jaswal on the ground that he controlled operations a disputed area, Jammu and Kashmir.

As per reports, Lt General Jaswal, was nominated by the government to visit China as part of the regular high-level exchanges between the defence establishments of the two countries.

According to the report, two Chinese defence officials, scheduled to come to India for a course at the National Defence College have been denied permission by Delhi. Moreover, a subsequent visit by Indian military officials to China also stand cancelled. (ANI)