India capable of defending its territory: Antony

NEW DELHI: Defence Minister A K Antony on Monday said that India is capable of defending its territory as Navy Chief voices disquiet on the build-up of Chinese nuclear submarines.

Antony said while speaking to the Media in New Delhi that the security forces of the country are capable enough to protect the security interests.

"Whether in sea lanes or in the land bodies, our armed forces are always taking all precautions to protect our security interests," said Antony on the sidelines of a function to felicitate Indian navy personnel on their successful expedition to North Pole in New Delhi.

However, the Navy Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta voiced concern over the recent reports of underground Chinese nuclear submarine base and said that the base is not the real issue but the rate of production of nuclear submarines is a cause of concern.

"As far as the base is concerned it does not make difference where the submarines are operating. Because nuclear submarines have long legs and they can travel long distance. What is important is as to the number of submarines they get built up by a particular nation. So we will look at in this manner," said Admiral Mehta.

The issue is likely to be discussed by the Cabinet Committee on Security in its upcoming meeting.

Reportedly Satellite images have given an idea about the build-up of Chinese submarines with ballistic arsenal.