We are not a war mongering country: Antony

KOCHI - India is not a “war mongering” nation and does not have any extra- territorial ambitions, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said Saturday.

“We might have difference of opinion with our neighbours but we have no extra- territorial ambitions. We are not a war mongering country,” Antony said in response to a question about reactions from across the border over Indian Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor’s recent remarks.

Antony was interacting briefly with reporters here after attending an award ceremony of the Indian Coast Guard.

Speaking at a closed-door seminar in New Delhi last week, Kapoor is reported to have said that the Indian Army was ready to battle Pakistan and China at the same time.

On Kashmir, he said the current situation in comparison to the year gone by is much better.

“Even now there are a large number of terrorists waiting along the border to infiltrate into Kashmir. This is a matter of serious concern because Pakistan is not doing anything in this regard,” said Antony.

In response to a comment that Pakistan is increasing its defence budget considerably, he said: “We will also do our duty to protect our territories”.