India objects to Chinese troops in Pakistani Kashmir
Concerned over the presence of Chinese military personnel in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, India on Wednesday said it had conveyed its objections to Beijing in this regard.
Defence Minister A.K. Antony told reporters after opening the four-day navy commanders conference here that India was aware of the presence of Chinese People's Liberation Army troops in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
"We are aware of their presence there. We have conveyed our concern to China in this regard," Antony said in reply to questions regarding the presence of some combat engineers among the 3,000 odd Chinese in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
"Over the last many years, we are consistently developing our own military capabilities so that we can meet any challenge to protect our territory and our sovereignty," he said.
To a question on China's objections to India exploring oil in parts of the South China Sea off Vietnam that Beijing claims to be its own territory, Antony refused comment as Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang is in the capital for talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
"There is no question of India going there (South China Sea) in large scale. We will go there for exercises and other things. We will go there uninterrupted for passage of ships and trade. There is no question of any naval presence...that is not our intention. Our main concern is to protect our core area," he said.
However, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, ahead of the talks, told reporters that all bilateral issues will be on the table for discussion between the two sides. Krishna was answering a question if the South China Sea issue will be part of discussions with the Vietnamese delegation.
To another question, Antony said the Admiral Goshkov aircraft carrier that India has bought from Russia, where it is presently undergoing a refit, will definitely be delivered in December 2012.
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