Sino-Pak military ties worrying, says Antony

May 09, 2012 |

New Delhi

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Defence minister A.K. Antony, who came under attack from the Opposition in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday over defence preparedness issue, said he has asked for more budget to meet the new challenges.

The minister also said that growing military ties between Pakistan and China is a 'cause of worry' and armed forces have been issued a new directive to change their strategy to meet the challenges.

Opposition members also criticised Mr Antony for not taking prompt action when Army Chief V.K. Singh raised the alleged bribery issue with him.

Replying to a discussion on the performance of his ministry in the Upper House, the minister said, “After analysis of the threat perception (on the border areas with China and Pakistan), we have found that the picture is problematic. We will need to have a second look at the defence budget.''

''We want Rs 45,716 crores more. I have asked the government to provide us more money.” He said under 12th Defence Plan, the defence ministry has sent a proposal to finance ministry to raise an offensive Corps with two special divisions for the high combat areas.

The minister said government had earlier approved raising of two mountain divisions along with a special forces battalion, an artillery brigade and an armoured regiment for deployment in the Northeast sector.

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