Antony: Threat possibilities but measures being put in place

Whenever high-level visits take place,there is always a possibility of threats. We are putting all measures in place to meet all problems. We are capable of handling it,as we have proved during the Commonwealth Games by conducting them successfully, he said here on Monday.

The Minister also indicated that the US and India were unlikely to sign any defence deal during the high-level visit but admitted that talks about the estimated $5.8 billion contract for 10 C 17 transport aircraft were in the final stages.

Terming the Mumbai terror attacks an eye opener for the security establishment,he said India had realised the importance of coastal security and strengthening the same was a top priority for the government. For us,26/11 in Mumbai was an eye opener… We have to take more care of strengthening the coastal security, he said,admitting that before 26/11,we thought land border is the only real border.

Antony also took on Pakistan at a separate event,saying it should shed its ambivalence in dealing with terror groups. Pakistan does not appear to be willing to leave its India-centric posturing. It will have to shed its ambivalence in dealing with terror groups. Though we are not unduly concerned,we will have to keep constant vigil on the developments in Pakistan, he said,addressing top military leaders at the Army Commanders Conference here.

While underlining that the Army had been successful in countering the proxy war,he said as long as terror infrastructure remained intact across the border,the nation could not afford to drop guard. He also pointed out that 42 terror training camps were active in Pakistan and even women were being trained as terrorists.

Antony also emphasised the need for transparency in defence deals and said a zero tolerance policy should be adopted towards corruption and even the slightest hint of corruption would erode the image of the armed forces.