'China-Pak military nexus worrying'

NEW DELHI: Defence minister A K Antony, who slammed Pakistan for not putting an end to terror groups thriving on its soil, on Friday said the growing military nexus between China and Pakistan was a matter of serious concern. “The increasing nexus between China and Pakistan in military sphere remains an area of serious concern,” Mr Antony said at the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses.

He said India wanted to have good ties with its neighbours, including China, but pointed out that India could not “ignore the security calculus in the region” and had to be “vigilant”.

“We have to carry out continuous appraisal of Chinese military capabilities and shape our responses accordingly. We need to be vigilant at all times,” he said, adding: “India wants to develop a friendly and cordial relationship with its neighbours, including China... At the same time, there are issues that are a matter of concern to us,” he said.

China and Pakistan have been looking at increasing cooperation in the military sphere and had signed a military cooperation pact last year. The two countries have also stepped up cooperation in projects in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Mr Antony also sent a strong message to Islamabad, saying Pakistan has to put an end to terrorism emanating from its soil.

Criticising the Pakistani leadership for failing to show any initiative towards dismantling the terror infrastructure, Mr Antony said the terror infrastructure was thriving.

“Islamabad must put an end to terror activities emanating from its soil. The terror infrastructure remains intact and is actually thriving,” he added. Saying India needs to “closely monitor” the developments in Pakistan, Mr Antony said Pakistan had not shown any will to take “action” against terrorists.