India views with “serious concern” growing defence ties between China and Pakistan and says it will have to bolster its own military capabilities to meet the challenge.
“It is a matter of serious concern for us. The main thing is we have to increase our capability — that is the only answer,” Defence Minister A.K. Antony told reporters in New Delhi late on Friday.
The comments followed reports China plans to accelerate supply of 50 new JF-17 Thunder multi-role combat jets to Pakistan under a co-production pact.
Antony added safe havens for militants in Pakistan is another “main concern” for New Delhi and told Islamabad to “disband and destroy” all guerrilla outfits if Pakistan wants to improve relations with India.
India has long accused Pakistan of providing shelter and support to militant groups planning attacks on Indian soil and has pushed the global community — the United States in particular — to censure Pakistan accordingly.
Nuclear-armed Pakistan and India have fought three wars since attaining independence in 1947, two of them over the disputed territory of Kashmir.
