Omar Abdullah criticizes US report on Indo-China differences

Jammu, Feb 7 (ANI): Criticizing American think tank reports on differences between India and China on several issues, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said relations between the two nations are cordial.

Recently, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, James R. Clapper, had informed the U.S. Senate that the Indian Army is preparing for a limited conflict along the disputed border, and was also working to redraw the Chinese balance of power projection in the Indian Ocean.

Abdullah told mediapersons here that US would benefit in terms of an increase in arms sales should India and China take their differences to the next level.

"Why would we want to declare a fight with each other? This may suit US, because they would want to increase their sale of arms. But neither does it suit us nor does it suit China. Both nations are making efforts to improve relations. This is true that some differences do persist between two neighbouring countries, but the relations between India and China are cordial, and we would want to improve these relations. Minor incidents should not be exaggerated," said Abdullah.

India is the world's largest arms importer with plans to spend 100 billion dollars on weapons over the next decade.

The relationship between India and China is complex, involving both cooperation and competition. But while generals and admirals rarely say so publicly, India fears a repeat of the brief but humiliating 1962 border war, and therefore wants to be prepared for any such eventuality. (ANI)