Bangalore, February 6
Pakistan’s decision to hand over the strategic Gwadar port to China is a matter of “serious concern” for India, Defence Minister AK Antony said today.

“Chinese are now constructing that port on Pakistan’s request. In one sentence, I can say that it is a matter of concern to us. My answer is simple and straightforward,” he said at the Aero India press conference here. The minister was responding to a media query if the handing over of Gwadar port in Pakistan to China would make India’s western frontiers more vulnerable.

Gwadar port is located at the apex of the Arabian Sea and the mouth of the Persian Gulf.

It is also only about 400 km away from the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil supply route. The minister’s remarks in the backdrop of reports in Chinese official media that the port development was not an attempt by the Chinese side to “encircle” India.

Pakistan had recently approved a deal that transferred operational control of Gwadar port from Singapore’s PSA International to Chinese Overseas Port Holdings Limited. — PTI