China’s role in operating a strategically important port in Gwadar is a “matter of concern”, India’s defence minister said on Wednesday, as New Delhi and Beijing jostle for influence in the region.
“In one sentence, it is a matter of concern for us,” AK Antony told reporters in Bangalore where he inaugurated an Indian air show. “My answer is very straightforward and simple.”
Indian policymakers have long been wary of a string of strategically located ports being built by Chinese companies in its neighbourhood, as India beefs up its military clout to compete with its Asian rival in what it sees as its sphere of influence.
Management of Gwadar port, around 600km from Karachi and close to the border with Iran, was handed over to the state-run Chinese Overseas Port Holdings last week.
When complete, the port in Balochistan, which is close to the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping lane, is expected to open up an energy and trade corridor from the Gulf, across Pakistan to western China.
India, the world’s biggest arms importer in recent years, plans to spend around $100 billion over the next 10 years to upgrade its mostly Soviet-era military hardware to keep pace with China’s ramping up of defence spending.
The country was bound to modernise its armed forces in response to China’s own modernisation, Indian Defence Minister AK Antony told reporters at a press conference at the air show, adding that strengthening its north-eastern border with China was not a confrontation with its neighbour.
“It is our duty. If they are doing it, we will also do it,” said Antony.
Despite the push to overhaul its military, India’s defence budget will not escape a tightening of government spending this year, Antony said, as New Delhi looks to rein in its fiscal deficit.
“Our priority areas will not face budget cuts. Those essential to operational preparedness, there won’t be any budget cuts,” Antony said.
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