Warning that China has taken a lead in developing key infrastructure like roads, railway lines and air links along the border, Defence Minister A K Antony admitted that India has a lot of catching up to do as far as the Northeast is concerned.

However, he added that the situation along the border has been largely peaceful. “There have been no reports of major incursions (by China) on the Indian side,” he said.

On his first visit to Sikkim after taking over as Defence Minister last year, Antony said the development of border areas in the Northeast had been neglected. “They (China) are developing infrastructure on their side. It is our responsibility to develop the same on ours. It is the duty of the government to provide facilities like roads, rail and air links,” said the minister at a media interaction after addressing soldiers of the Gangtok-based Black Cat Mountain Division.

Antony’s statement comes amid reports that China has built three new air strips near Lhasa besides strengthening its road network. Beijing is also reported to be planning extension of its rail network from the nearest rail head in Lhasa towards the strategic Chumbi valley — a dagger-shaped Chinese valley surrounded on three sides by Sikkim and Bhutan.

Antony said India-China ties are cordial and “minor issues” are resolved through border-post meetings and diplomatic channels. “For the first time, India and China are going to have an Army exercise. One more meeting will take place and we will hopefully have the exercise later this month,” he said.

... contd.