Nuke, bio, chemical, terror warfare guides def.spending:Pranab

New Delhi, Nov 13 (UNI) External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said the challenges of modern warfare that covers nuclear, biological and chemical dimensions and the threat posed by international terror outfits are responsible for the burgeoning defence budget.

Confronted with these problems, ''it is a harsh reality that defence expenditure involves huge outlays on defence acquisitions'' which crowded out spendings on the social sector for eradication of poverty and hunger, ''Mr Mukherjee said in his inaugural address at an international seminar on ''Defence Finance and Economics.'' The choice of technology had to be made carefully keeping in view the felt need of the country concerned, rather than for sheer power projection. However, ''there is no denying the fact that the challenge of modern warefare, with the likely nuclear, biological and chemical dimension, cannot be met with outdated technologies.

''This assumes greater significance because of the unfathomable dangers arising from wanton proliferation of nuclear technology over the years and the capabilities acquired by international terrorist organisations,'' the Minister said.

Therefore, there was no escape from modernisation of the defence capabilities. What was required, however, was a close look at the options that presented a fine blend of economic sense and military sensibility, he added.

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