Article Posted on : - Oct 23, 2010

Indian Defence Minister A K Antony

NEW DELHI (PTI): Observing that some nations were on a lookout to "provoke and encourage threats" against India, Defence Minister A K Antony on Friday said the "clandestine proliferation" of terrorist networks in the neighbourhood have made its fight against terror "more complex".

Antony said the next generation of threat to national security will emerge from the cyber world and stressed on the need for making these systems "secure" and "non-porous".

Noting that though India was desirous of peaceful relations with its neighbours, the Defence Minister said, "Some nations are always on the lookout to provoke and encourage threats to our security and national integrity."

Pointing out that no country was "insulated" from the serious threat of terrorism, Antony said, "the increase in clandestine proliferation networks in our neighbourhood makes the fight against terror all the more complex."

On the threat of nuclear weapons falling into wrong hands, Antony said, "In such a scenario, autonomy in decision-making in strategic affairs and in the developmental process is an inalienable right of the Indian people."

Citing 'No First Use nuclear doctrine and activities in disarmament initiatives as examples of India's responsible attitude, the Defence Minister said the "proposed moves must ensure that there is no differentiation between India and the nuclear weapon states".

Antony said the next generation of threats will emerge out of cyber security and "we need to make our cyber systems as secure and as non-porous as possible".

Nations need to cooperate on diverse issues that can have a long-term impact on their overall security and well-being, he said adding that they must avoid flashpoints that may escalate into full-blown confrontations.