Days ahead of the state visit by US President Barack Obama, defence minister AK Antony has said there are possibilities of threat whenever such a high-level visit takes place and has assured that measures are being put into place to meet ?all problems?.
Answering queries on threats from fidayeens during the Presidential visit, Antony said the government is capable of handling all security-related problems as was demonstrated during the Commonwealth Games that were held in the Capital.
?Whenever high-level visits take place, there is always possibility of threats. We are putting all measures in place to meet all problems. We are capable of handling it, as we have proved during the Commonwealth Games by conducting it successfully,? the minister said in the capital on Monday. The minister also indicated that the US and India are unlikely to sign any defence deal during the high level visit but admitted that talks of the estimated $ 5.8-billion contract for 10 C 17 transport aircraft is in the ?final stage?.
Terming the Mumbai terror attacks an ?eye opener? for the security establishment, the minster said India has realised the importance of coastal security and strengthening the same is a top priority for the government. ?For us, 26/11 incidents in Mumbai was an eye opener. It is now all the more important due to the security situation around India. We have to take more care in strengthening the coastal security,? Antony said, admitting that before 26/11, ?we thought land border is the only real border?.
The minister also took on Pakistan at a separate event and said the nation should shed its ambivalence in dealing with terror groups. ?Pakistan does not appear to be willing to leave its India-centric posturing. It will have to shed its ambivalence in dealing with terror groups. Though we are not unduly concerned, we will have to keep constant vigil on the developments in Pakistan,? Antony said, addressing top military leaders at the Army Commanders Conference in the Capital.
While underling that the army has been successful in countering the proxy war, the minister said as long as terror infrastructure remains intact across the border, the nation cannot afford to drop guard. He also pointed out that 42 terror training camps are active in Pakistan and even women are being trained as terrorists.
The defence minister also emphasised the need transparency in defence deals and said that a ?zero tolerance? policy should be adopted towards corruption and even the ?slightest hint of corruption? would erode the image of the armed forces.