India of 2017 different from 1962: Jaitley on China's warning
June 30, 2017 20:02
The India of 2017 is different from what it was in 1962, Union Defence Minister Arun Jaitley asserted today, hitting out at China for asking the Indian Army to learn from "historical lessons".
A day after China's oblique reference to the war the two countries had fought 55 years ago, the defence minister also said the current standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Sikkim sector was triggered by Beijing. Bhutan, he added, had made it clear that the land in question belonged to it.
"If they are trying to remind us, the situation in 1962 was different and India of 2017 is different," Jaitley said when asked about China's warning.
China had asked India to withdraw its troops from the Donglong area as a precondition for "meaningful dialogue" to settle the boundary issue. It warned that the Indian Army should learn "historical lessons".
"Bhutan government had issued a statement yesterday in which it made it clear that the land in question belonged to Bhutan. It is located near India's land. There is an arrangement between India and Bhutan for giving security," Jaitley said.
The defence minister said the Bhutan government had made its stance clear and China was trying to alter the status quo in the area.
"I think after this the issue has become very clear," Jaitley said.
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances