The nation today paid homage to the soldiers who fought the 1962 India-China war. Defence Minister AK Antony and the three service Chiefs followed by Minister of State for Defence Pallamraju laid wreaths at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate in New Delhi.

More than 3000 Indian soldiers died in the war. This is the first time that those who died in the 1962 war are being remembered.

Earlier, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a conference in Delhi, Mr. Antony ruled out any possibility of China repeating 1962. He said, present India is not of that period and is now fully capable of defending itself.

Mr. Antony said, India had earlier not focused on enhancing infrastructure in northeastern states but now our infrastructure, assets and manpower have substantially improved compared to the past.

He said, India will continue to build its infrastructure and provide best equipment to its armed forces while continuing to its dialogue with China on the border issue and maintaining cordial relations with it.

Meanwhile, the Chinese media, echoing the establishment's thinking, today struck a positive note, declaring that India and China had come a long way to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership. Suggesting that the spectre of war should be left behind, the tightly-controlled Chinese media in a rare commentary on Sino-India ties said, the two nations had achieved progress despite differences due to unresolved border dispute