India fully capable of defending itself: Antony

NEW DELHI: India has strengthened its military capabilities since the 1962 Sino-Indian war and is now fully capable of defending itself, said defence minister A K Antony on Thursday, two days before the 50th anniversary of China's military offensives into Ladakh and the north-east.

The Defence Minister, Shri A. K. Antony with the Commanders and Flag Officers of Indian Navy, during the Biannual Naval Commanders' Conference-2012 in New Delhi.

"Infrastructure in the north-east is not up to our satisfaction but it has improved a lot compared to the past ... infrastructure, assets and manpower, everything has improved. India of 2012 is not the India of that period. We are now capable of defending very inch of our country," said Antony.

The minister, along with three Service chiefs — Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne, General Bikram Singh and Admiral D K Joshi — will pay homage at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate on Saturday to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1962 conflict.

Holding that India had a two-fold approach towards China, Antony said, ``On one side, we are strengthening our capabilities on the border. On the other, we are continuing the dialogue (with China) since we want cordial relations with our neighbours...the border management mechanism with China is now functioning satisfactorily."

Earlier, addressing the naval commanders' conference, the minister said the Indian Navy should continue with its pro-active role in the Indian Ocean Region. ``Our strategic location and the professional capability of our Navy places a responsibility upon us to play a more mature and stabilizing role in the region," he said.