America gets remains of soldiers, refused by UPA, but allowed by Modi

New Delhi: The remains of soldiers and artefacts of a US Air Force B-24 bomber that had crashed during World War-II in what is now Arunachal Pradesh are being sent to the US on Wednesday for their families.

US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter is overseeing the process.

"The Indian government agreed to support America's commitment to bringing its fallen personnel home and providing their families the fullest possible accounting," said a statement issued jointly by both India and the US.

The repatriation issue had figured in the joint statement issued last year after US President Barack Obama visited India where he served as guest of honour at the Republic Day parade.

While the previous UPA government had stopped the recovery of remains following objections by China, which claims Arunachal Pradesh to be its territory, the Narendra Modi government agreed to America's request.

The US is seeking to recover the bodies of American aircrew who died in crashes while flying re-supply missions between Assam and Kunming in China during the war.

During Secretary Carter's visit to Delhi, India has agreed that both countries can use each other's military bases to restock and refuel fighter planes and warships. The pact is to be signed soon, both sides said.