India wants to arm itself at the border with China, rhino kills zookeeper in Salzburg zoo

India wants to significantly arm itself on the disputed border with China. Among other things, around two billion rupees (about 23 million euros) will be invested in an airport for the armed forces. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh virtually laid the foundation stone on Tuesday, the Defense Ministry announced in New Delhi. In total, India has invested around 80 billion rupees (900 million euros) in 295 infrastructure projects on the border since 2021.

Relations between the neighboring nuclear powers have been tense, especially since a deadly incident took place on the Himalayan border about three years ago. Soldiers from both countries attacked each other with stones, sticks and fists. It was the worst incident in decades. At least 20 Indians and four Chinese were killed, according to official figures.

The two countries are arguing over the border in the largely uninhabited mountains at an altitude of 4,500 to 5,500 meters. Their common border is approximately 3,500 kilometers long. Since the incident in the summer of 2020, both sides have increased their forces and invested in infrastructure on the border. The dispute between the Asian rivals over the border line had already led to a short war in 1962, which China won.

(dpa)