Devyani issue not to impact defence ties: A K Antony

KOCHI: The ongoing diplomatic tension between India and the US, triggered by the arrest of Devyani Khobragade, will not affect the defence ties between the two countries, defence minister A K Antony said here on Tuesday.
"Defence ties and the current disputes are separate issues. The US and India have longstanding defence ties. I don't see any reason for the current disputes affecting the defence ties,'' Antony told reporters after commissioning a fast patrol vessel built by the Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) for the Indian Coast Guard.He said India's concerns over the arrest of Devyani were being taken up by the ministry of external Affairs (MEA) with the US.
He said the MEA was also making efforts for the release of Indian fishermen taken into custody by Sri Lankan Navy off Tamil Nadu coast a couple of days ago. He also reiterated that the frequent skirmishes on the Indo-China border could not be eliminated fully unless the two countries settle the border disputes.
"India and China share a long border and there are disputes on who is controlling many points on the border. such skirmishes are bound to happen. I don't expect any miracles to happen. But the silver lining is the constitution of the border coordination panel to resolve such issues between the two countries amicably. Of late, both the countries are engaging immediately as soon as such incidents take place," he said.
Efforts are on to resolve the issues in the Indo-Pak border as well. The director-general of military operations (DGMO)-level talks between the two countries held on December 20 was one such initiative. But even when such efforts are on, our armed forces have to keep a 24x7 vigilance to ensure that our borders are protected,'' he said. Antony said the recently commissioned aircraft carrier INS Vikramadithya would reach India by January.