‘Possibility of terror threat exists ahead of Obama visit’
With just a few days to go before US President Obama lands in India, defence minister A.K. Antony on Monday said there is a “possibility” of a terror threat “whenever a high-level visit takes place”.
In response to a question on Monday on whether there was a terror threat in the context of President Obama’s visit, the minister said, “Whenever a high-level visit takes place, there is a possibility of threat. We are taking all measures (for security).” Mr Antony also highlighted how the government had successfully ensured the smooth conduct of the recent Commonwealth Games at Delhi despite reports of a threat.
Significantly, the defence minister also stated that elements in the Pakistani intelligence agency ISI are training terrorists to infiltrate into India and that even women were being given terror training at the 42 terror camps that are active in Pakistan and territory controlled by it.
Asked on the sidelines of a Coast Guard function whether any defence deal would be signed with the US during President Obama’s visit, Mr Antony said, “I don’t think so.” When asked about the proposed sale of Boeing C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft from the US to India for the Indian Air Force, he said it was in the “final stages”.
Earlier in the day while addressing the Army Commanders’ Conference in the capital, the defence minister warned that India would need to enhance its defence preparations in the light of the rapid Chinese military modernisation.
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Itinerary of US Prez not decided yet
Age Correspondent
New Delhi
Oct. 25: Director-general CISF N.R. Das visited Amritsar on Sunday to check security arrangements for the forthcoming visit of US President Barack Obama to the city in November.
Between Agra, Jodhpur and Amritsar, two places will finally be chosen by the US President where he could visit during his forthcoming visit to India in November.
“While Delhi and Mumbai have already been finalised, two out of the three places — Jodhpur, Amritsar and Agra — will be chosen. It is also possible that some of these places may only be visited by US President’s wife Michelle Obama. We have to keep our preparations ready on all counts, a government official said.
Meanwhile, security agencies are on their toes making security plans and arrangements for all places where the US President is likely to visit.
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