India not for 'military pacts' with other countries : Antony

Hyderabad, March 25 (UNI) In the wake of the Left partie's concern over the recent proposal of 'military pact' with America and other countries, Defence Minister A K Antony today said India will not have military pact with other countries in the world.

Talking to newspersons here, Mr Antony, who was here to visit the DRDO and other Defence Labs, said '' we do not want to be part of military pact with any country. We do not believe in military agreement, as we are an independent and sovereign country''.

Stating that the country's policy was to have only defence co-operation with friendly countries, he said, India had been maintaining defence co-operation with the UK, the US, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Russia. We are also having defence co-operation with the neighbouring China, he added.

Claiming that the suicide rates in the army came down after the steps taken by the Government, the minister said the Centre was treating the issue earnestly.

Stating that 'infiltration' across the border was still continuing, despite taking stringent measures, Mr Antony said, the border, however, was peaceful. Violence in Jammu and Kashmir was also reduced, indicating the increase of tourist arrivals in the State, he added.

Mr Antony said the ministry was pursuing ''case by case'' export of missiles to friendly countries. The delay in the induction of missiles in army was reduced in recent times.

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