China, Afghanistan likely to participate

China and Afghanistan are among the countries which are expected to participate in the Aero India 2013. The India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), the nodal agency of the government of India for promoting the country’s external trade, in its approval letter for holding the Aero India 2013 has listed China and Afghanistan as overseas participants for the air show.

While it will be the first time Afghanistan will be taking part in the air show, which is scheduled to be held from February 6 to 10, China had sent a delegation during the 2011 edition of the Aero India.

China’s participation in the Aero India has always aroused curiosity. In 2009, when India had invited China for the show it did not send a delegation. In 2011, India did not invite China as it had called off all defence ties with Beijing after it refused a visa to the then Northern Army Command chief Lieutenant General B S Jaswal. Just a few days before the show, a Chinese delegation and its media personnel were allowed to take part in Aero India.

The organisers have to get no-objection certificates from ministries of external affiars and home affairs to allow participants from Taiwan, Pakistan, Sudan, Iran and Iraq.