India hits back at China, says India of 2017 different from 1962

TIL Desk/National/New Delhi/ India today hit back at China for making veiled threats with Defence Minister Arun Jaitely asserting that India of 2017 is different from what it was in 1962, even as New Delhi told Beijing its actions near Sikkim have “serious” security implications for this country.

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 was triggered by Beijing.

Expressing deep concern over China constructing a road in the disputed Doklam area near Sikkim, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it was essential that all parties concerned display utmost restraint and abide by their respective bilateral understandings not to change the status quo unilaterally.

India’s reaction follows a face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the area, prompting Beijing to take a tough stance and demand withdrawal of Indian troops from the Sikkim sector as a precondition for “meaningful dialogue” to resolve the situation. Beijing had also accused India of being a “third-party” to the China-Bhutan dispute.