Chinese President Xi Jinping visit at the time when India is conducting one of the biggest war exercises 'Him Vijay' near the LAC with China in Arunachal Pradesh might send a wrong signal. Chinese Prez's visit coincides with India's 'Him Vijay' war games in Arunachal Pradesh. Xi's visit to India at a time when Army conducts China-centric battle exercise is likely to send a wrong signal. Source say Xi's visit could be rescheduled until after J&K's reorganisation into two UTs

New Delhi: Recent developments in India-China relations have cast a shadow on Chinese president Xi Jinping’s slated visit to India during October 11-12. Hoping to build on gains from the informal summit in Wuhan with PM Narendra Modi on April 27-28, 2018, President Xi is set to visit India’s Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu for yet another informal tête-à-tête between the two leaders. 

During the Mamallapuram informal summit, PM Modi and President Xi are expected to exchange views on overarching issues of bilateral and global importance and to elaborate their respective visions and priorities for national development in the context of the current and future international situation, an earlier statement from the government.

However, the recent actions by both the countries have irked the other and invited condemnation.

Experts say that the Chinese president's visit at a time when India is conducting one of its biggest war games "within 100-km of Line of Actual Control (LAC)" in Arunachal Pradesh might send a wrong signal. ‘Him Vijay’ - India’s biggest mountain assault exercise will reportedly be held in two phases: 7-10 October and 20-24 October.

As per reports, China has expressed concerns over India conducting the exercise in Arunachal Pradesh. Clarifying on reports of Chinese objection to the exercise, the Army on Saturday said ‘Him Vijay’ is an annual feature for troops to familiarise themselves with the area of operations.

"Fighting formations undertake familiarisation and acclimatisation during the months preceding winters and post-winters. Similar training exercises for all formations of Eastern Command have been undertaken," Army sources told news agency ANI.

The exercise is aimed at testing mobility, communication and coordination of a huge body of fast-moving troops in difficult terrain to prepare the Indian Army for a modern quick and short war in the region. As many as three battle groups comprising 4,000 soldiers each will participate in the exercise which will include troop mobilisation, mountain assault and air assault.