Military

Pakistan-China Military nexus an area of serious concern: India

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

New Delhi, Nov 27, IRNA -- India’s Defence Minister, A K Antony, on Friday said the nexus between China and Pakistan in the military sphere is of serious concern.

Hoping that China would reciprocate India’s trust-building initiatives, Antony, while delivering the Presidential address at the 44th Foundation Day Celebrations of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) in New Delhi Friday, said: “We have to carry out continuous appraisal of Chinese military capability”.

India wants friendly relations with all its neighbouring countries, the Minister said that despite repeated pleas from India and pressure from the international community, Pakistan has not done anything to dismantle the terror infrastructure on its soil.

Stating that terror camps are thriving in Pakistan, Antony added that India is closely monitoring the situation in its neighbourhood.

Noting that India's profile was growing in the international arena, Antony said other nations were expecting much more from New Delhi for meeting some common challenges.

"We are making sincere and continuous efforts to resolve long-standing issues with our immediate neighbourhood. We have always striven for peaceful relations with all our neighbours. As a vibrant democracy and a prospering economy, we cannot ignore the security calculus in the region," he said.

Antony said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's willingness to resume dialogue with Pakistan must be seen in the context of India's eagerness for peace in the region.

On the security challenges faced by India, the Defence Minister said the government had already taken several steps for capacity-building of the armed forces "to meet the new and emerging challenges."

However, India will remain steadfast in its pursuit of regional and global peace, he added.

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End News / IRNA / News Code 813304