Defence minister A.K. Antony on Friday described China as the “main strategic partner” of Pakistan and said this (constant Chinese defence support to Pakistan) was a matter of “serious concern” for India. The minister also said there are elements supporting terror in Pakistan’s various structures and said this was the “main hurdle” in India-Pakistan ties.
Pointing out that Pakistan ought to destroy all terror outfits on its soil if it wanted better ties with India, Mr Antony said the killing of terror mastermind Osama bin Laden recently by the US can have a “fallout” in the region and added that he had asked the armed forces to be vigilant and remain prepared for any eventuality. He further said the episode had “internationally stamped” Pakistan’s position as the core of terrorist activities in the region.
Mr Antony also seemed to rule out any possibility of surgical strikes by India to hit terror targets within Pakistan.