Tanks in Sikkim not sign of tension with China: Tharoor

Thiruvananthpuram, July 28 (PTI) India Tuesday said the
deployment of Army tanks in eastern Indian state of Sikkim,
which have been there for many years, is "not a sign of
mounting tension" with China.

"It is not a sign of mounting tension....it is a sign
that your government is determined to protect the borders of
India and takes its responsibilities seriously," Indian
Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor said
here while reacting to media reports Tuesday on the matter.

"There is no additional tension (between India and
China). We want good relations with our neighbours. But we are
prepared to ensure that our borders and country are secure,"
he added.

Army officials in Delhi said the Russian-made T-72
tanks have been deployed in high altitude areas of North
Sikkim for many years in defensive roles.

"A squadron of the tanks has been there in high altitude
areas in North Sikkim for many years now and it is part of our
defensive plans. Earlier we used to have our T-55 tanks there
and around three years ago, they were replaced by a squadron
of T-72s, which are heavier tanks," they said.

They said that no tanks have been deployed in the

locality called 'Finger area', which is a one kilometre
stretch of land on the border with China. PTI AJD
DDC
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