Bangalore, February 11
Addressing a press conference here at the inaugural session of Aero India-2009, Defence
Minister AK Antony said the government was of the view that the security situation in “India’s vicinity” would further deteriorate.
Antony said the armed forces in the country were being equipped with latest weapons in view of the turbulent situation prevailing in the neighbourhood.
He announced that in view of the threats, the armed forces were being empowered to go for fast-track acquisition of weapons. “A system was being put in place to ensure transparency in the purchases,” Antony said.
The minister said India was “still” pursuing the diplomatic channel with Pakistan to bring to book the people responsible for the recent terror attacks in Mumbai.
“Our restrain should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness,” he said.
