India takes up with China denial of visa to top Army official

NEW DELHI - In response to a report that China denied visa to Lieutenant General BS Jaswal, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Area Command, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson on Friday said India has an important, multifaceted and complex relationship with China.

“We have an important, multifaceted and complex relationship with Republic of China.ur interaction has been growing in a number of areas, including defense. In recent years, we have had useful defense exchanges at various levels,” he said

“The visit, referred to in a newspaper report today, has not taken place, due to certain reasons,” he said

“While we value our exchanges with China, there must be sensitivity to each others’ concerns. Our dialogue with China on these issues is ongoing,” he added

According to a newspaper report, Beijing refused to allow the visit of Lt General Jaswal.

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.

But Beijing responded to his nomination by saying that it was unwilling to welcome Jaswal because he controlled a disputed area, Jammu and Kashmir.

Taking strong exception to the move, India has through top diplomatic channels protested China’s action and has decided to suspend all defence exchanges with its eastern neighbour, for now.

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)