Growing military ties between China and Pakistan are a serious concern to India, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said on Friday, in the latest display of a prickly rivalry between New Delhi and its neighbours. India worries about China's rising influence in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, a neighbourhood New Delhi has traditionally considered as its sphere of influence.
The Asian giants also jostle for global resources and influence. China and Pakistan signed a military co-operation pact last year. Whereas India's relations with old foe Pakistan dived after last year's Mumbai attacks, Beijing has funded projects in Azad Kashmir, claimed by India, and raised hackles by issuing separate visas to Indian held Kashmiris.
"The increasing nexus between China and Pakistan in military sphere remains an area of serious concern," Antony said in a speech. "We have to carry out continuous appraisals of Chinese military capabilities and shape our responses accordingly. At the same time, we need to be vigilant at all times." Tensions between India and China flared in recent months, especially with the re-emergence of a long-standing border dispute made worse by a visit by the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, to Indian territory claimed by Beijing.