Feb. 1: In a sign of India’s less than warm ties with China and Iran and to a lesser extent rival Pakistan, none of these countries are on the list of invitees for the Aero India 2011 air show to be held in Bengaluru from February 9-13.
This was confirmed by senior Ministry of Defence (MoD) organiser of the biennial event on Tuesday after a Chinese journalist complained to the MoD that Chinese journalists were not being allowed to cover the show.
They could not register for the event, as China is missing from the list of countries participating in the event. The MoD said it is the MEA that decides which countries will participate.
The largest number of participating companies are from the United States, steadily expanding its defence relationship with India.
China had been invited for Aero India 2009 but has not participated since. Iran’s absence follows continued sharp hostility between the US and Iran, and Delhi’s proximity to Washington.