Manohar Parrikar to travel to China next month

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar will be travelling to China next month on a three-day official visit during which matters related to deepening of bilateral ties, especially in the defence sector, would be discussed.

Issues related to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and setting up of a hotline between the Army headquarters on both sides, besides other military matters are likely to be discussed. Parrikar is likely to travel on April 18, Defence sources said, adding that final dates are being worked out. 

Incidentally, Parrikar's visit to China will come after his talks with US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter in Delhi. The US, which is in the process of a "re-balance" to Asia Pacific, has been nudging India for a greater role in the Indian Ocean.

Americans are keen that India carries out joint patrol in the Indian Ocean, a move which will rile China. India has ruled out prospects of joint patrolling for the time being. US experts argue that the strategic alliance between China and Pakistan is primarily driven by their "rivalry" with India.