Defence minister A.K. Antony on Saturday said
at an international forum that huge defence spending by China is a “matter of
concern” for India, even as he made it clear earlier in his speech that
“maritime freedoms cannot be the exclusive prerogative of a few” and that
“large parts of the common seas cannot be declared exclusive to any one country
or group”.
The
remarks on maritime freedom — made by the minister in Singapore at the eleventh
Asia security summit that is also known a the “Shangri La dialogue” — are being
viewed as a clear reference to the Chinese claims on navigation in the South
China Sea. India appears to be making it clear that China cannot view the south
China Sea as its exclusive preserve.
When
asked about the huge defence spending by China, the minister said, “It’s a
matter of concern”, adding that “India is also building its capabilities to
protect its national interests”. But he also said the two countries were
“working towards peace and stability” and cited anti-piracy cooperation between
the two in this regard.
Speaking
further on maritime freedom, Mr Antony also said that “all states, big and
small,” ought to abide by universally-agreed laws to ensure maritime freedom.
“India’s own security and prosperity is intimately tied to the security and
prosperity of the extended Indian Ocean region which also includes the
Asia-Pacific region,” the minister said, adding that India welcomes
implementation of accords between China and the ASEAN countries in the region.
Meanwhile,
US defence secretary Leon Panetta — who is expected to visit India shortly —
was quoted by news agencies from Singapore on Saturday as saying, “The visit
would be to affirm our interest in building a strong security relationship with
the country I believe will play a decisive role in shaping the security and
prosperity of the 21st Century.”
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