India ready to meet any challenge: Antony

New Delhi, Feb 15: Defence Minister AK Antony on Monday, Feb 15, said India is ready to meet any challenge from any quarters.

Speaking to reporters, Antony said, "Though India is a mature and responsible power and traditionally peace loving, it is fully geared up to meet any threat from any quarters."

He was speaking at the inaugural function of DefExpo India 2010, the 6th International Land and Naval Defence Systems Exhibition, here.

Antony further noted that the government was moving an additional two Army divisions to the Northeast.

He cautioned that the decision should not be seen as a move against any country.

He was referring to China, which claims parts of Arunachal Pradesh as its territory and has also been breaching the LoC in Jammu Kashmir and Sikkim.

"India's defence expenditure is 2.5 percent of its GDP and the economy is expected to grow at 8 to 10 percent for the next two decades," Antony stated.

India is expected to spend around USD 50 billion in next 20 years for acquiring weapons for its armed forces.

OneIndia News