Military ties with China set to improve – Army Chief

Notwithstanding China’s border dispute with India over Arunachal Pradesh, Chief of India’s Army Staff General J J Singh said the military ties between the two neighbouring countries were set to improve.

Speaking to reporters after presenting the Presidential Colours to Pioneer Corps, a 248-year-old regiment of the Indian Army, Singh said India and China were “at the stage of getting to know each other”. During Chinese President Hu Jintao’s visit to New Delhi recently, the two sides had agreed on instilling mutual trust and confidence through defence co-operation, he said.

Singh said India would be exploring the possibility of holding a joint military exercise with China. “We have done it with UK, USA, Russia, Mongolia and Singapore. There is no reason for us to not do it with China. However, there are issues like language compatibility, which needs to be addressed”, he said.

“Absolute confidence building measures are being taken and there is peace and tranquility on the borders. We have no cause for friction and it will be a good thing if we can continue to enhance the military to military co-operation, which will engender greater trust”, Singh said.

The leadership of India and China had shown a path that will lead to peaceful resolution of problems. “The relations between the soldiers of the two countries are good and situation in Arunachal Pradesh is peaceful and stable”, he said in response to a question.

Singh said there is a shortage of about 11,000 officers in the Indian Army, but clarified that the matter was not a cause for concern. “There has been a shortage of officers for some time. But, gradually we are making up the deficiency”, he said.

But, the Army would not lower the standard of training, quality of intake or reduce the time-frame for training. “We don’t want to try to make up the shortfall in a very short time because it will impact the training and quality of training”, he said.

However, if the Army faced a challenge, Singh said a large number of officers involved in peace-time operations in extra-regimental appointments and other duties like NCC would be recalled. “If challenged, we will fight with the desired and required amount of officers in each fighting unit”, he said.

Earlier, Singh had presented the Presidential Colours to Pioneer Corps, which plays an integral part in military campaign by loading and unloading of stores, rations, equipment and ammunition over land, sea and air.

After reviewing the ceremonial parade on the occasion, Singh said history of Pioneer Corps was replete with examples of valour, sacrifice, professionalism and dedication to duty in the highest traditions of Indian Army.