NEW DELHI: Reiterating concerns at the rapid modernisation of China's armed forces, defence minister A K Antony on Wednesday said India needs to carry out "a comprehensive review'' of its defence preparedness as well as "remain vigilant'' to meet any security challenges.
"Modernisation of armed forces in China and its ever-increasing military spending is a matter of serious concern....But we are not unduly worried,'' said Antony, on the sidelines of the Asian Security Conference here.
"We also must strengthen our capabilities and infrastructure in our border areas and we are doing it,'' he said. While this is true, India has begun to upgrade several airstrips and helipads in the North-East and Ladakh, apart from basing Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets at Tezpur and Chabua in Assam, rather belatedly after being jolted out of its slumber by China's strategic moves.
India has also raised two new infantry mountain divisions for the North-East, with 1,260 officers and 35,011 soldiers, with the first battalion of Arunachal Scouts also slated to become operational by May.
"Modernisation of armed forces in China and its ever-increasing military spending is a matter of serious concern....But we are not unduly worried,'' said Antony, on the sidelines of the Asian Security Conference here.
"We also must strengthen our capabilities and infrastructure in our border areas and we are doing it,'' he said. While this is true, India has begun to upgrade several airstrips and helipads in the North-East and Ladakh, apart from basing Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets at Tezpur and Chabua in Assam, rather belatedly after being jolted out of its slumber by China's strategic moves.
India has also raised two new infantry mountain divisions for the North-East, with 1,260 officers and 35,011 soldiers, with the first battalion of Arunachal Scouts also slated to become operational by May.
Antony, on his part, said the review of the capabilities of armed forces was an "ongoing and constant'' process. "If there are any gaps, they will be filled up...We are not modernising our armed forces by keeping in mind any other country's modernisation. We are modernising our forces on the basis of a comprehensive review of the emerging security scenario around us,'' he said.
Asked about China's objections over the trilateral Malabar series of naval wargames games between India, US and Japan slated for April-May south of Japan, the minister said, "The Malabar exercises started 15 years ago and we hold it every year. There is nothing against a particular country. It is to increase capabilities of our Navy.''
"As the two largest nations in the region, India and China need to enhance cooperation levels on common issues such as climate change and trade...the complicated border issue can be settled only through dialogue and discussions,'' he added.
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