India had on Thursday rejected China’s opposition to a joint military exercise by US and India near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Uttarakhand and asserted that it is “none of their business”. And now the US has echoes India’s reaction.
Newly-appointed US Charge d’Affaires to New Delhi Ambassador Elizabeth Jones said that the interest of Washington is in supporting India’s efforts to become more capable.
Interacting with journalists, she said the ties of US with India is one of its “most consequential” relationships. She also said that the US sees a natural partnership between the two countries in a range of critical areas including defence technology and climate change.
When asked about China’s objection to the India-US military exercise, Jones said, “I think I would point it to the kind of statement that we heard from our Indian colleagues to the effect that it is none of their business.”
The Chinese foreign ministry had on Wednesday opposed the “Yudh Abhyas” exercise at Auli in Uttarakhand. It claimed that it violates border agreements inked by China and India in 1993 and 1996.
Reacting to China’s statement on the exercise, external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on Thursday, “Military exercise in Auli has got nothing to do with the 1993 and 1996 agreements.”
He also said that “India exercises with whomsoever it chooses to and it does not give a Veto to third countries on this issue.”
The 18th edition of ‘Yudh Abhyas’ is currently underway in Auli, about 100 km from the LAC.
