New Delhi, Dec 23 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. M Krishna categorically said here on Wednesday that India’s relation with China did not depend on its (China’s) relation with the third country.

Interacting with the media on the sidelines of a Chinese festival here, Krishna said : “India’s relationship with China does not affect by its(China) relationship with third country.”

Krishna was commenting over the strong military-military bond between China and Pakistan.

China-Pakistan relations began in 1950. Following the Sino-Indian hostilities of 1962, Pakistan’s relations with the China became stronger. The China has provided economic, military and technical assistance to Pakistan.

Chinese President Hu Jintao had described his countries relationship with Pakistan as “higher than the mountains and deeper than oceans.”

China has been a steady source of military equipment to the Pakistani Army and also has helped Pakistan to set-up mass weapons production factories and also have given technology assistance and modernized facilities.

Krishna also acknowledged “there were lows in the Indo-China relationship” but expressed confidence that “it will improve gradually.” (ANI)