Defence minister A.K. Antony on Friday said India was capable of meeting any threat (including any nuclear threat from Pakistan) and added that India is aware of the fact that Pakistan is strengthening its nuclear arsenal.
The defence minister, however, remarked that while India was “not unduly worried” about Pakistan increasing its nuclear arsenal, it was worried over any possibility that the Pakistan nuclear arsenal could fall into the hands of terror groups.
When asked about reports that Pakistan was drastically increasing its nuclear arsenal and number of nuclear warheads, Mr Antony said, “We know Pakistan is strengthening its nuclear arsenal. We are taking care of it (in terms of Indian defence preparedness). We are capable of meeting any threat. We are not unduly worried. India is equally capable. But the danger of it (the Pakistan nuclear arsenal) going into the hands of terrorists is the only worry.”
In response to another question, the defence minister said that “considering the threat from terror outfits, the armed forces have to be vigilant 24/7 especially after the (Osama) Bin Laden killing (by US forces in Pakistan recently)”.
In response to a question on whether women officers in the armed forces will ever be allowed in combat roles, the minister said the process of allowing women officers in more streams of the armed forces had started. He pointed out that two years ago, women officers had been permitted to join several streams and said a few months ago, he had asked the armed forces to open more streams to women officers. He said the armed forces were “processing more opportunities for induction of women officers in more streams of the armed forces”.