China, Pak pose formidable threat: Navy chief

Competition with adversaries is being played out on a daily basis and a war cannot be ruled out, says R Hari Kumar

- MAYANK SINGH

WHILE China is expanding its presence around India and Pakistan in the West has continued with the modernisation of its Navy, said Admiral R Hari Kumar here on Tuesday. Elaborating on "Security Challenges" that India Faces, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) pointed out that while competition is being played out on a daily basis-at times testing limits but without escalating into armed action a war however can never be ruled out.

In this regard, he said, "China remains a formidable challenge and has increased its presence, not only along our land borders, but also in the maritime domain by leveraging anti-piracy operations to normalise its naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region." To the West, Pakistan - despite economic constraints has continued its military modernisation, especially its Navy, which is on track to becoming a 50-platform force, added CNS.