Bangalore: Defence Minister A K Antony
Wednesday said "violent disturbances" in India`s neighbourhood pose a security challenge to the country and the Government
was committed to rapidly modernising the armed forces to meet
the challenge.
Inaugurating the Aero India 2011, South Asia`s top air
show that took off at Yelahanka Air Force Station here, Antony
said India`s democratic credentials and a fast growing economy
have convinced the world that it can play a responsible and a
stabilising role in the region.
Noting that India has always been a votary of peace,
he said, "Yet, violent disturbances in our immediate and
extended neighbourhood pose security challenges for our nation
and the region as a whole."
"Our Government is steadfast in its resolve to meet
any challenge. We are, therefore, committed to ensure rapid
modernisation of our armed forces and equip them with
state-of-the-art systems, equipment and platforms".
Antony said, "Our current defence expenditure -- 2.5
per cent of its GDP, is consistent with our projected security
requirements and is bound to increase over the next two
decades".
PTI
