'Pak, China building military capabilities rapidly'

NEW DELHI: India has expressed concern at the way both Pakistan and China are rapidly bolstering their military capabilities, in the backdrop of the armed forces warning that the possibility ‘‘ a two-front war’ ’ breaking out cannot be ruled out altogether even though it may be a remote scenario.

‘‘ Our neighbours are building their military capabilities at a feverish pace. Thus, to successfully meet such challenges, the need for us is to be vigilant and prepared at all times,’’ said defence minister A K Antony on Wednesday. India’s ‘‘ strategic, geopolitical situation’ ’ and the compulsions of history pose unique challenges. ‘‘ Some nations are keen to incite threats to our unity and integrity ,’’ he said, speaking after the Field Marshal Cariappa annual memorial lecture by former President APJ Abdul Kalam.

Kalam said India has to be prepared for ‘‘ fast-paced , technology-driven warfare’’ , stretching from nuclear to cyber-warfare . ‘‘ Future warfare , that is powered by cyber war, can create destruction at the speed of light. ICBMs (intercontinental ballistic missiles) and other nuclear weapons will become insignificant in the cyber-warfare environment ,’’ he said.