Current situation in Ladakh is not India's creation: Antony

New Delhi, April 30 (ANI): Describing the current situation in Eastern Ladakh as 'not one of our (India's) creation', Defence Minister A.K. Antony on Tuesday said India remains committed to a peaceful resolution of the situation.

Antony was referring to the presence of Chinese troops 19 kilometers inside India in the Daulat Beg Oldie sector of Ladkah. The Chinese troops have reportedly pitched a five tented camp in the area.

He said steps would be taken through dialogue within the framework of agreements for maintaining peace and tranquility on the borders that separate the two countries.

Addressing a Unified Commanders' Conference, here, Antony, however, emphasized that the country remains united in its commitment to take every possible step to safeguard national interests.

"The current situation is not one of our creation. However, we remain committed to a peaceful resolution of the situation, through military and diplomatic dialogue within the framework of the agreements for maintaining peace and tranquility," he said.

"At the same time, I wish to emphasise that there should not be any doubt that the country remains unanimous in its commitment to take every possible step, at all levels, to safeguard our interests," he added.

"Our bilateral relations with China are, at times, bedeviled by border issues, particularly along the Line of Actual Control(LAC). The recent developments are no exception. Among the various initiatives to safeguard our border, the thrust has been on development of our border roads and Advance Landing Grounds," the defence minister said.

Referring to the security situation in Pakistan, Antony said: "The capability of Pakistani Taliban to strike at will at innocent public and strategic targets is worrisome. The growing nuclear stock of Pakistan needs to be factored in our overall strategy towards our western neighbour."

Antony reiterated the government's strong commitment to the modernisation of the armed forces and to ensure the all round welfare of the troops.

China, however, maintains that it is not in violation of border agreements, and is reportedly insisting on the removal of some Indian bunkers that oversee Chinese locations at a strategic point along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) (ANI)