China darings under Army scrutiny

ew Delhi, August 31
Recent developments in China and Pakistan -- India’s two uncomfortable neighbours -- dominated the day as the Indian armed forces underwent a change of guard at the top this morning.

Chief of Navy Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta on superannuation handed over charge to Admiral Nirmal Verma while General Deepak Kapoor took over as the new Chairman of Chief of Staff Committee (COSC).

Notably, the senior-most of the chiefs of the three services is appointed as COSC. Until today, Admiral Mehta was the COSC, who looks after the operational matters of the tri-services issues.

Outgoing Navy Chief Sureesh Mehta today said Pakistan's illegal modification of US-supplied anti-ship Harpoon missiles to strike land-based targets was against "India's interest". “This has nothing to do with self-defence (of Pakistan). It is against India's interest… This shows the danger of proliferation and we have been telling this from time to time,” Mehta said while addressing mediapersons.

Mehta's comments came in response to questions on New York Times report that Pakistan had illegally modified the Harpoon missile, enabling it to strike land-based targets, which could be a potential threat. Pakistan, however, rejected the charge. Mehta's assessment was shared by Admiral Verma, who said this was one reason why government had been expressing concern over a period of time about the transfers that were going on to "our neighbour".

Admiral Verma said the Navy's endeavour would be to ensure nobody came within the striking distance of India and launch such missiles.

General Deepak Kapoor confirmed the intrusions by Chinese choppers in eastern Ladakh, but said they were largely inadvertent. "There have been several violations and one incursion by a Chinese helicopter in the past few months. It could have happened due to a navigational error, but that does not justify it. It was taken up at the border personnel meet,” Kapoor told reporters after taking over as the COSC.