Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday left for China on a five-day visit (April 17-20) during which he would be holding talks with top Chinese political and defence leaders.
"Looking forward to my meetings with the political and military leadership during my visit to People's Republic of China," tweeted Parrikar, who will be the first Indian Defence Minister to visit China since 2013, the last being his predecessor A.K. Antony.
Parikar will be accompanied by accompany by CNC - western command, Vice Chief of Indian Air Force, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) and Defence Secretary.
Parrikar's trip follows high-level visits by top Chinese defence officials including Central Military Commission (CMC) Vice Chairman General Fan Changlong to India last year.
Parrikar's visit comes amid concerns in India about China's move to block its bid to have JeM chief Masood Azhar designated as terrorist by the U.N. in the aftermath of the terror attack on an air base in Pathankot in January this year.
On April 17, he will be meeting with Indian business leaders; while from April 18-20, he will be meeting defence delegation, Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, Vice Chairman of Central Military Commission, Chinese Defence Minister, and Western Theatre Commander.
