February 12, 2010 12:56 PM

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Increased infiltration not to affect Foreign Secy level India-Pak talks: Antony

Defence Minister Mr A.K Antony said that even though India is not fully satisfied on action taken by Pakistan with regard to the terrorists responsible for the Mumbai terror attacks, it took the conscious decision to go ahead with talks as Islamabad has had taken some action in accordance with India’s wishes.<br/><br/>Speaking to media on the sidelines of a conference in New Delhi yesterday Mr A.K Antony elaborated that Foreign Secretary-level talks with Pakistan will not be affected despite increased infiltration by terrorists from across the border and its failure to dismantle terror groups operating from its soil.<br/><br/>Mr. Antony said that there was a calculated plan behind the spurt in infiltration by terrorists into Jammu & Kashmir as the violence levels in the State has come down and the law and order situation has improved. He said that the 42 terrorist outfits operating from across border are still intact and there is no attempt by Pakistani government to dismantle them.<br/><br/>Earlier, addressing the conference, Mr. Antony said, the terror infrastructure continues to thrive on Pakistani soil. He said that India also continues to be firm on its demand that Pakistan must put an end to terror activities emanating from its soil.<br/><br/>He said that the relations between India and Pakistan have a huge bearing on regional peace and government's willingness to start talks should be view in that backdrop<br/><br/>On China, Mr. Antony said that India is carrying out continuous appraisal of China's military capabilities and, taking all necessary measures to shape its responses. He said, every nation has to be adequately prepared to safeguard its territorial integrity and sovereignty. He said, India will make all efforts to strengthen its security and build up an effective deterrent capability as a safeguard.<br/><br/>Mr. Antony, however, maintained that India's defence policy is neither aggressive nor is it aimed at any particular country. He said that the Agni-III ballistic missile with a range 35 hundred kilometer is not targeted at any country. Mr. Antony said that bilateral relations with China are progressing and both countries have invested in confidence building measures aimed at enhancing understanding and building of trust. <br/><br/>

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