Antony review focus on China

Antony review focus on China

The growing military might of China and its defence ties with Pakistan including supply of arms figured prominently during Defence Minister AK Antony’s review here on Tuesday with the three Service chiefs about security situation and operational preparedness.

The high-level meeting also reviewed the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, North-Eastern States, security of sea lanes in the Indian Ocean region and the pace of modernisation of the armed forces, sources said.

China is rapidly modernising its military infrastructure all along the 4,500 km long Line of Actual Control (LAC) and India is trying to catch up fast in order to maintain year long logistical lines for the armed forces deployed on the borders especially in the eastern sector.

Moreover, Beijing has embarked upon a strategic programme of enhancing its maritime capabilities by going for aircraft carriers and submarines thereby causing concern in New Delhi about China’s intentions in the Indian Ocean region.

Antony took stock of these developments besides rapidly growing military to military ties between Pakistan and China. The two countries recently inked a deal for Chinese made fighter jets to enhance Pakistan Air Force capabilities.

Antony was briefed about the latest situation in this regard by the military top brass and measures taken to maintain military edge over Pakistan, sources said adding situation in Afghanistan and its strategic implications for India also came up for discussion.


‘Don’t expect miracles from India-Pak talks’

Antony also cautioned against expecting a “miracle” following the recent positive talks between India and Pakistan and Islamabad granting Most Favoured Nation(MFN) status to New Delhi for trade.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of fifth South Asia Conference organized by the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses(IDSA) here, Antony said, “Aat the moment we find positive signs in relations with Pakistan in areas of economic cooperation. There is a real breakthrough, it is a beginning. There are positive signs for a breakthrough but one should not expect a miracle out of it.”

As regards China, he said “China is expanding its military capabilities and their infrastructure in the border area is also increasing substantially and we are concerned about that.”