Chinese incursions not that serious, says Parrikar

Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has said that intrusions by Chinese troops in Ladakh were not that serious, and added that the government was dealing with them on a daily basis.

Participating in a news briefing here, Parrikar said India would need to step up its defence capabilities in the next three years.

He added that India need not worry about Pakistan and China.

"What you call an intrusion or crossing the Line of Control, imaginary Line of Control, happens many times in many sectors. But, it is taken care of on the same day or within couple of days. Except one or two incidents, there is no serious incident," Parrikar said in Panaji.

Parrikar further said that many defence deals were stuck due to lobbying and vested interests of the previous Congress Party-led UPA Government.

"Many of the defence deals are surrounded by corruption," said Parrikar.

He also said that he has a lot of work to do on an immediate basis, including fixing a woefully outdated weapons system and bringing transparency in defence contracts.

He said that India could not afford shortages of ammunition, fighter jets and submarines, as the country is surrounded by increasingly hostile neighbours.

The minister added that all purchases, which are immediately required would be fast-tracked and would invite the Indian companies keeping in mind the 'Make in India' initiative.

"Exceptionally sophisticated or stand alone weapons, we will promote those companies which make it in India," said Parrikar.