Indian policymakers have long been wary of a string of strategically located ports being built by Chinese companies in its neighbourhood.
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.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 7th, 2013.
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* I said this about five days ago when the news appeared here for the first time*
There are several global implications in this, and PAK knew this very well, and I can only assume that this is a negotiating ploy with US, Iran and India.
Investment from Chinese firms, yes. Navel rights to China - forget it. Not going to happen unless PAK wants to entangle in another conflict.
This port could also create an another reason of discomfort with Balochs. The shipping lanes have not changed in ages and they have also seen world conflicts. Long way to go.
China should have taken the people of balochistan into confidence before stepping into balochistan. We will not accept China India or US.
By 'concerned' India means to show its dissatisfaction with its agents in the region who will now step up their efforts to destabilize Balochistan.
who cares, we welcome China and hope with this deal, a new era of development and progress will come to our Balochistan province.
Love ya China, Love Pakistan
funny that people here think India is jostling for power, but whenever the Americans come to India, they always ask India to be more aggressive. Now, tell this to Hilary Clinton who thinks India is too soft in its policies, the Americans ask India to join US against china and invariably ask India to be more aggressive in the region to assert its power.
here, an article form ET
Eyeing China, Clinton urges India to take leader role
here form the other famous news media
Clinton urges India to be more assertive in Asia
please tell this to Americans that India is now a hegemonic power, because Americans think that India has not risen up to its true power and that it is too soft in Asia. And right after Hilary Clinton asked India to demonstrate its true power, this is how Pakistan reacted
Pakistan not to accept hegemony in region, says Hina
China will kill Indias water supply, encircle it with its friendly allies and choke it.
... the seeds of yet another conflict ...