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Defence minister calls for closer ties with China

India should carry out a “realistic appraisal” of China’s growing economic and military capabilities, defence minister AK Antony told senior army commanders on Monday.

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NEW DELHI: India should carry out a “realistic appraisal” of China’s growing economic and military capabilities, defence minister AK Antony told senior army commanders on Monday.

In a speech that was peppered with the government’s assessment of India’s strategic situation, Antony said that Sino-Indian relations are presently witnessing a thaw, and that being the two biggest countries of the region, if India and China were to embrace peace and co-operation, our economies will boom and make our people prosper. He added, “In our attempt to forge better ties, we are following a policy of positive engagement with China.”

Antony was addressing the crucial Army Commanders Conference that will go on till April 20, under the chairmanship of army chief General JJ Singh. During the conference, an operational review of the situation in spots hit by insurgency, including Kashmir, would be undertaken. The senior commanders will also discuss the scope of ‘Asymmetric Warfare in the Indian Context’.

Commenting on developing ties with the United States of America, he said, “The development of a strategic partnership with the US is to further our security interests, and to enhance our ability to influence regional as well as global concerns. Indo-US relations have made a steady progress. Our cooperation extends to various fields like counter-terrorism, security-related issues, space, energy and environment.”

Antony accused Pakistan of continuing to support terrorism, and said that for the dialogue to be successful, Pakistan will have to put an end to cross-border terrorism. On the army’s growing role in anti-naxal operations, the defence minister said that such efforts need to be encouraged and multiplied. Presently the army is training and strengthening police mechanisms in naxal-affected states, through its Counter-Insurgency School in Kanker. The army also provides ex-servicemen to the Bihar Auxiliary Police.

Antony also called on the officers to undertake “Service with Simplicity”, asking the armed forces to embrace austerity and shun profligacy.

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