China has more resources but India not 'under-prepared': MM Pallam Raju

NEW DELHI: Noting that China has more resources to dedicate for modernisation of its defence forces, government today asserted that India is not "under-prepared" in anyway and is also acquiring capabilities to build its infrastructure along the border for security needs.

"China's budget is four times that of India so they will definitely have larger resources dedicated to that (for modernisations purposes)," Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju told reporters here.

He was replying to a question on rapid modernisation of military infrastructure by Chinese Army along its border with India which was mentioned in the recently released Annual Report of Defence Ministry for the year 2011-12.

Raju emphasised that all efforts are being made by the Indian government to improve military infrastructure in the bordering areas.

Stressing that India is not "under-prepared" in anyway, he said "we are also gathering momentum in the way we are acquiring capabilities and the way we are building our infrastructure."

In the Annual Report-2011-12, the Defence Ministry has highlighted the way China is increasing its footprints in India's immediate neighbourhood.

"Rapid infrastructure development in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and Xinjiang province has considerably upgraded China's military force projection and application capability against India and improved their overall strategic and operational flexibility," the report had said.

Underlining that India desires a peaceful and cordial relation with China, the report had said, "Chinese footprints in India's immediate neighbourhood are increasing progressively due to its proactive diplomacy through political, military and economic cooperation and engagement."