New Delhi puts on hold its defence exchange with China

India has put on hold its defence exchanges with China following refusal of visa by Beijing to a senior Army officer. Lt. Gen. B.S.Jaswal, General Officer Commanding in Chief Northern Command based in Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir was scheduled to visit Beijing this month. Official sources said in New Delhi that this is an issue of concern and such an attempt will not help to built further trust and confidence between the two countries. The sources said that the visit of three Chinese army officers including a senior Colonel and two captains who were scheduled to visit India this month has also been put on hold. Sources said the defence exchanges between the two countries is more than 15 years old and it is important to be sensitive to each other’s concerns. The sources also said that the Chinese Ambassador Mr. Zhang Yang today met the Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs but this was part of routine meeting. It is believed that the denial of visa permission also figured in the talks. The sources said that the discussions on this issue with China are continuing and the defence exchanges may not resume till the issue is settled.

Our correspondent quoting official sources reports that New Delhi has made it clear to Beijing that anything that questions status of Jammu and Kashmir which is an integral part of India is unacceptable.

A pattern is visible in China’s actions. First it started issuing staple visas to Indian residents living in Jammu and Kashmir and now a very senior officer posted in Jammu and Kashmir has been denied visa. This pattern becomes more evident as China is actively involved in the infrastructure development in the part of Kashmir that has been illegally occupied by Pakistan and its residents are issued normal visas to visit China. Observers say it is clear that the Chinese side is responsible for the present situation. The need of the hour is that issues of concern are addressed by China. This will not only pave the way for resumption of defence exchange but also help built mutual trust and confidence.

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