India should remain cautious of all neighbours, says IAF Chief

NEW DELHI - The Indian Air Force (IAF) chief, Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik, on Monday expressed his concerns over the neighbours’ moves and said that India should be cautious of their actions.

Speaking to the reporters at the Air Force annual day meet here today, when the Indian Air Chief Marshal was asked for his viewpoint on China’s increasing military modernization, he said it is indeed a matter of concern for the country.

“We have neighbours and neighbours, starting from Chanakya’s quotes, have to be watched with caution. How they impact the growth of your nation. So we watch all neighbours with caution. Even the smallest of them and the biggest of them, their capabilities are assessed,” said Naik.

He, however, stated each country is a sovereign one and holds the right to execute activities within their own boundaries.

“As far as, our modernization is concerned, like I said earlier, we consider it as capability based and not on adversary specific. Not that if they have any equipments, so we also have to buy those to defeat them. We have decided what the aspirations of our nation are,” said Naik.

Naik further said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh considers the country’s area of responsibility extending from Hormus Straits to the Malacca Straits and beyond. (ANI)