It has noted “unusual increase” in ceasefire violation by Pakistan this year and also rise in attempts by terrorists to infiltrate across the border.

“Pakistan’s border is completely guarded by its Armed Forces. There is a tacit support by the Pakistani Armed Forces to terrorists to infiltrate into India,” said the Indian Defence Minister AK Antony at the sidelines of 7th South Asia Conference, organized by the Institute for Defence Studies & Analyses here on Wednesday.

The Defence Minister described the modernization programme in the Indian Armed Forces as a “continuous process” designed to upgrade the forces in terms of manpower and technology to meet any threat from Pakistan or China. His reference to China was in response to an article published in a Chinese daily in July relating to “reconquest” of Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai China by waging war against India in 2035-40.

Antony said that the Anglo-Italian firm AugustaWestland has violated the contract and hence the government had issued a final show cause notice to AgustaWestland for 'violating' the terms of the 3,600 crore rupee contract for the supply of 12 VVIP choppers to the Air Force

The notice, which was issued on the October 21, had asked AugustaWestland to explain why 'all or any action as prescribed, including cancellation of the contract, should not be taken against them for violating the terms of the pre-integrity pact and the contract for procurement of 12 VVIP choppers'. The firm was given 21 days to file its reply to the final warning issued by the Defence Ministry.

Regarding ceasefire violation by Pakistan, the Defence Minister said : “this year unusual development is taking place with sudden series of ceasefire violation which is a matter of concern. But I am confident our forces are capable to meet any challenges. They are handling the situation. They have been given the freedom under the standard operating procedures.”

Another concern, he said was the increase in attempts by terrorists to infiltrate across the border with the tacit support of the Pakistani Army.