New Delhi, December 19, 2005 (Indian Express)

Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee acknowledged today that the reported supply of arms and training to Kathmandu by China and Pakistan was a concern and that the government was addressing it through its missions in both countries.

‘‘A problem is there. We have taken it up diplomatically. Let us see how it can be resolved,’’ Mukherjee said this evening, when asked about the UPA government’s opinion on Beijing’s reported supply of arms and ammunition and Islamabad’s offer to King Gyanendra of training of personnel.

After a virtual embargo of arms by New Delhi, there has been furious military-diplomatic activity among Nepal, China and Pakistan. After an October visit to Beijing where he is understood to have closed a deal for certain weapon systems from China, Nepal’s Army chief General Pyar Jung Thapa returned from Islamabad on Saturday where it is learnt that he was offered comprehensive training capsules for RNA soldiers. Today, he hosted a four-member military delegation from China.