Forces taking precautions, Antony on Chinese Naval base

Defence Minister A K Antony today said that the armed forces of India are taking all precautions

New Delhi: Defence Minister A K Antony today said that the armed forces of India are taking all precautions to protect nations security and interest amid reports that the Cabinet Committee on Security is set to discuss the new Chinese Naval base in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) which has nuclear equipped submarines.

"I would like to assure everybody only one thing, whether it is in the sea lanes or in the land bodies our armed forces are taking all the precaution to protect our security interest from any threat," said the Minister on the sideline of a ceremony hosted for the Indian Navy North-Pole expedition team in New Delhi today.
However, speaking on the occasion, Admiral Sureesh Mehta said that the Chinese base is not a cause of concern rather the number of submarines is a cause of worry.

"Nuclear submarines have long legs and they can travel long distances. What is important is the number of submarines that have been built up by a particular nation. So it is in this mean that we will look at it in this matter," said the Admiral. He also dismissed a question that Indian Navy is planning to counter China's move saying, "At this point of time there is no such plan."

Lessening the importance of the Chinese base, he said, "If you have longer range missiles, the capability increases many fold. So, you do not have to come near to anyone. As the coverage of these missiles, which are held by China, it covers virtually the whole world, so you are already covered."
Earlier, both Antony and Mehta felicitated the 10-member Indian Navy North Pole Expedition team in Kota House in the Capital today. On this occasion, a First Day Cover has also been released by Defence Minister A K Antony to mark their feat.

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