India on Saturday paid homage to 1962 Indo-China war martyrs for the first time.

Defence Minister AK Antony and the three service Chiefs laid wreaths at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate to honour more than four thousand Indian soldiers had died fighting in the war.

This is the first time in the last fifty years that the government has remembered the 1962 Indo-China war martyrs.

Antony ruled out any possibility of China repeating 1962, saying India of 2012 is fully capable of defending itself. It may be noted here that in the 1962 war, India had suffered defeat.

The defence minister assured that India had substantially improved its infrastructure, assets and manpower since war with China. Speaking on the topic, he said, "Infrastructure in the northeast is not up to our satisfaction but it has improved a lot as compared to the past... India of 2012 is not India of that period."

He added that India would keep on building and improving its infrastructure and provide its armed forces with best equipment while also continuing its dialogue with China to maintain cordial relations with it.

China has attacked India on October 20, 1962, and the war continued for around a month. Many soldiers had shown unbelievable courage. For instance, the Gurkhas and Sikhs held back the Chinese at Walong in Arunachal Pradesh. Major Shaitan Singh Bhati of the 13 Kumaon held back the Chinese at Rezang La.

Nevertheless, the 4th Division which had fought marvelously during Second World War was demolished, and the Indian Army was compelled to retreat from NEFA - today's Arunachal Pradesh.