Govt rejects Gen V K Singh’s request to attend meet of Pacific Army chiefs

Ministry sources have told the Army that was an “exception” and have asked it to revert to the previous practice of sending the Vice-Chief.

In response,the Army is learnt to have taken a stand that the forum has confirmed participation from 23 Army chiefs,including from China and,possibly,Pakistan which makes it an extremely useful platform. In fact,sources said,it was for this reason that the Army Chief went himself in 2009 because it met protocol requirements to set up more bilateral meetings at the Chief’s level.

The conference is being sponsored by the US Pacific Command — this,sources said,is believed to be a factor for the MoD which believes India should not be seen “actively” involved in US efforts and,thereby,signal that it’s part of any particular grouping. It’s learnt that Gen Singh has written to Defence Minister A K Antony arguing that engaging the US is important through these forums.

It’s unlikely that India will at all participate this time given that the conference is slated to begin on Wednesday.

A miffed Army is also pointing out that these decisions negatively impact the bilateral military relationship with Singapore.