New Delhi:
Admitting to violation of Indian airspace by Chinese helicopters in March this year, Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Wednesday said these incidents were taken up with Beijing through diplomatic channels.
In a written reply to questions from Rajya Sabha members, Mr Antony said there were incidents of air space violations on March 16 and 19.
"There have been two such incidents by Chinese helicopters during the last one year," he said.
On March 16, there was an incident of air violation when two Chinese helicopters were observed flying on the Indian side of the international border in Himachal Pradesh, he said.
The state's Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal had flagged these incidents recently.
Mr Antony also said that incidents of transgressions and intrusions are taken up with the Chinese side through established mechanism such as hot lines, flag meetings, border personnel meetings and normal diplomatic channels.
"These mechanisms facilitate maintenance of peace," he added.