Antony rules out withdrawal of troops from Siachen

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Bangalore, Dec 22 (UNI) Defence Minister A K Antony today ruled out withdrawal or reduction of troops from the Siachen region.

Speaking to newspersons here after inaugurating the new campus of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), he said India was making all efforts to improve ties with Pakistan and China.

He, however, said there was no possiblity of withdrawal or reduction of troops from Siachen.

Asserting that New Delhi wanted to maintain friendly ties with all its neighbours, he said the real problem the country faced was infiltration from across the border. ''These infiltrators were being supported and encouraged by Pakistan which had also expressed a desire to have a friendly relationship with India. If Pakistan was sincere, it should put a stop to infiltration.'' Regarding Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf's ''interest'' in improving bilateral ties, he said, ''interest is not enough, action is more important.'' Mr Antony said the situation could only improve if Pakistan realised the ground realities and accepted them.

On cross border terrorism, he said the situation was being reviewed regularly and measures had been initiated to keep a constant vigil.

Answering a question related to acquisition of fighter aircraft for Indian Air Force, he said the government was committed to fulfilling emands of the armed forces to meet the growing challenges. '' We are ready to procure the most modern equipment and aircraft at the earliest to meet such requirements,'' he assured.

He said the government would accept the Mandan Committee report, expected within two months, on various issues related to reforms in the armed forces.

UNI SR MSP RR KN1543

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