INDIA ALERTS ASIA OF SECURITY THREATS

By P.Vijian
NEW DELH, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Indian Defence Minister A.K.Anthony said
Tuesday that the government will continue the modernisation of its armed forces
despite the global economic glitch and urged Asian nations to act decisively to
maintain security during these turbulent times.

"India will not stop its modernisation of its armed forces. The financial
crisis will not affect out modernisation efforts, money is not a problem," he
said at the 11th Asian Security Conference here.

On the same note, he alerted Asian nations to beware of the increasing civil
wars, insurgencies and militancy that have become the principal modes of armed
conflicts today.

"Many flow from identity movements, others from extremist ideologies, and
yet others from social economic and political inequities that abound in our
continent.

"These have made many Asian states extremely unstable and fragile. Dealing
with the complex challenges through efficient and improved governance and
effective development strategies must be of the highest importance for Asian
nations," he added.

He said the Asean Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit was India's
international efforts to create new architecture of stability and peace with
like-minded states that are focused on development and long-term prosperity of
Asia.

"While the prospects of inter-state armed conflicts are indeed declining,
India and the Asian continent continue to face the challenge of terrorism.

"The international community needs to act decisively and in concert to get
rid of the scourge," he said.
-- BERNAMA