Aero India 2011 News

Bangalore: This was the only moment of levity in an otherwise sombre press conference by defence minister AK Antony on the inaugural day of the Aero India 2011.
A Chinese television journalist interrupted the question and answer session by complaining to Antony that despite her applying for a media pass, her request was turned down by the organisers of the air show. On Wednesday morning, she received a pass which stated that she could cover only the inaugural day of the show.
“Despite applying for a media pass, my requests were turned down. When they finally decided to give me a pass, it said I can’t cover the remaining four days. The Chinese ambassador to India also got an invite only yesterday. Why are we not allowed to this show which is a great spectacle,” asked Li Miao, a journalist with the China Central Television.
Heeding to her demand, Antony immediately asked the ministry of defence officials to provide her a pass to cover the event for the remaining days.
“She is a very energetic lady. Make all arrangements to ensure she covers the show,” Antony directed to his officials.
10/02/11 Hemanth CS/Daily News & Analysis

Bangalore: India appears to be clueless on how to take defence ties with Beijing forward. China was not among those invited to attend Aero India, but later India changed its stance.  Chinese Envoy Xang Yang showed up at the event after getting an invitation at the last moment.
Defence Minister A K Antony on Wednesday said China was not invited, because it had never taken interest in the event before. But this time, the Chinese ambassador did not miss the opportunity to make his presence felt even when the invitation to him was delivered only on Tuesday afternoon.
10/02/11 Gautam Datt/ExpressBuzz