India wants good relation with neighbours: A K Antony

KANNUR (KERALA): Defence Minister A K Antony on Saturday said India wanted to have good relations with Pakistan despite the neighbouring country's "inaction" to dismantle terrorist training camps there.

"India wants to have good relations with Pakistan despite their inaction to dismantle 42 terrorist training camps functioning there as urged by India", he told a meet-the-press programme of Kannur Press Club here.

"Pakistan had not taken any action against such centres", he said.

Antony said there was need to strengthen the Indian Navy as the force had to protect the country from the threat posed by sea pirates and terrorist. Moreover, the navy's role was assuming importance as it had to safeguard the coastal as well as the maritime security, he said.

Utmost attention should be given for the security of the seas as nearly 99 per cent of India's trade was being carried out through seas, he said.

He said the Union cabinet had decided to sanction Rs 140 crore for the second phase development of the Ezhimala Naval Academy here.

Once the second phase was completed, the Academy would be able to give training to 1200 naval personnel, he said, adding, presently it was providing training for 750 officers.

The work on the Coast Guard Training Centre at Azheekal near here would be completed during 2013-15, Antony said.

He said 44 military hospitals would be upgraded as super speciality hospitals in a phased manner.