New Delhi/Hyderabad, Aug. 27: A full-fledged diplomatic row has broken out between India and China with defence exchanges between the two countries being put on hold following China’s refusal to allow the Indian Army’s GOC-in-C, Northern Command, Lt. Gen. B.S. Jaswal, to visit China as head of an Indian military delegation. China had informed India of its decision not to host Lt. Gen. Jaswal on July 21, following which India issued to it a demarche (protest note) on August 2.
The ministry of external affairs summoned the Chinese ambassador to India, Mr Zhang Yang, on Friday and conveyed India’s displeasure. Political parties also slammed China for its conduct.
In retaliation to the Chinese move, New Delhi has now put the defence exchanges on hold till a candid discussion between both sides clarified issues.
The MEA spokesman, Mr Vishnu Prakash, said while India values its exchanges with China, “there must be sensitivity to each others’ concerns”.
He noted that India’s dialogue with China on these issues is “ongoing”.
Meanwhile, the defence minister, Mr A.K. Antony, admitted that there were problems but there is no question of breaking ties.
Sources said India was planning to put all defence exchanges on hold.
When his attention was drawn to reports on Indo-China relations, Mr Antony said, “It is not the question of breaking ties. We have close ties with China though there could be some problems occasionally.”