New Delhi, October 19
Addressing the key issue of inadequate infrastructure along the Chinese frontier, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today told the top brass of the Indian armed forces that the country has to keep upgrading its infrastructure even when it was engaged in talks with its neighbours.

Sources, who were privy to the PM’s talk at the combined commanders conference, said the PM stated that infrastructure building has to be a priority. However, the official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) was silent on infrastructure.

The PMO, without naming the US, Iran and China, referred to the conflicts arising in the Indian periphery. It listed India’s strategic calculus

from the Gulf of Aden (off the horn of Africa) to the Straits of Malacca (southernmost tip of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands).

The statement released by the PMO quoted the PM as having said, “Very recently, we have seen precisely these areas turn once again into fresh theatres of contest.”

“We have consistently maintained that all issues must be resolved peacefully through dialogue. Wherever feasible, multilateral and international organisations such as the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and the United Nations must be allowed to play their due role,” the PM added.

Observers see this reference in two parts. First, the reference to the IAEA and the UN is in response to the threat issued by Iran earlier this year that it would stop oil-laden ships from plying in the Strait of Hormuz. This would hit crude oil supplies in Europe and elsewhere. The US had stationed a flotilla of its warships close to the Iranian coast and the Strait of Hormuz.

Secondly, the PM’s words hold a lesson for the forces that safe delivery of imported crude oil supplies would have to ensured if a crisis ensues.

On the eastern side, the Straits of Malacca became important after the US announced a “re-balance” of its naval assets in Southeast Asia. The straits are the shortest trade sea route to China and countries on the rim of the South China Sea.

To bring the Services to play a role in reaching out to neighbouring countries, the PM termed the forces as “inalienable arm of our diplomatic outreach and I expect them to play an effective role in this national endeavour. We (have to) focus on establishing greater connectivity in South Asia and our expanded neighbourhood to promote the movement of goods, services, investment and technology so that we can act as a motor of growth in this region”.