IANS

New Delhi, Aug 20: India was closely watching China's "moves" to increase its military prowess in the Indian Ocean and would take "adequate measures" if its internal security is threatened, Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju said here Thursday.

He agreed that being a "bigger power" China will take measures to safeguard interests but added that it should not be "intrusive".

"I think China being a bigger power will make its moves and if we sense a threat to our internal security we will take some counter measures," said Raju.

"We need to give them (China) a benefit of doubt that they are also in their quest to safeguard their sea lanes of communication because their energy resources are passing through the Indian Ocean region.

"They (China) are taking some steps. We have to make sure that it is not intrusive and they will not come into our space. Towards that end we are conscious of what China is doing and we are making adequate measures to make sure that our neighbourhood is not threatened," added Raju.

Speaking about the Chinese demonstration of its space-based capability by shooting down a satellite early last year, Raju said that India was against militarisation of space.

"If space assets have to be utilised in future, India is also taking adequate steps," said Raju.

He was speaking at a seminar on 'emerging technologies for sub-conventional conflict and homeland security' organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry.

The minister also cautioned about weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of terrorists.

"In future the potential is there for terrorists to get nuclear or biological and chemical weapons, towards which we should take adequate steps... nuclear, biological and chemical warfare is something we are preparing for," Raju said.

He cited the example of the Nov 26 Mumbai attacks when terrorists used sophisticated weapons.

"Terrorists, militants and insurgents are acquiring advanced weapons and communication equipment. Their methods of warfare are becoming more sophisticated, more complex and more systematically planned. Their objectives are becoming more ambitious, with the intention of inflicting maximum damage.

"In future, we may even see insurgents armed with nuclear devices or biological and chemical weapons, capable of massive destruction in localised areas. The increased range and lethality of weapons as well as changed tactics and small focused insurgent missions will need strategic response from our defence and paramilitary forces," Raju added.