Use of terrorism as an instrument of State policy and terrorist organisations operating from Pakistan soil against India are major obstacles in improving bilateral ties. Moreover, expanding footprints of extremists and terrorists in Pakistan and their linkages with terrorist outfits in Jammu & Kashmir and other parts of India pose a major security challenge.
Highlighting these factors in its 240-page annual report released here on Thursday for the year 2014-2015, the Defence Ministry also said growing military profile of China and its expanding strategic infrastructure along the line of Actual Control (lAC) is noteworthy.
The report said India is also taking necessary measures to develop the requisite capabilities to counter any adverse impact on its security in view of the China’s growing military influence in India’s immediate and extended neighbourhood.
Describing Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province (NWFP) area as the “fountainhead” of terror activities in the region, the document said Pakistan’s quest for strategic depth in Afghanistan continues to drive its policy to support the Taliban and its affiliates in Afghanistan.
Reiterating its commitment to resolve all outstanding issues through a peaceful bilateral dialogue, the Government, however, accused Pakistan of continuing with its policy of “selective approach” in tackling terrorist groups operating from there against India.
Unabated ceasefire violations and infiltration from across the border was a major hindrance in improving ties with Pakistan and this was conveyed to Pakistan many times during the meeting of Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO) of two countries, the report said.
Without naming China, it said the eastern neighbor, which is now engaged in dispute with several countries on the rim of South China Sea, has created tension in the Asia Pacific and threaten to polarize the Asia Pacific community.
On internal security situation especially in Jammu and Kashmir, it said the separatists and anti-national elements continue in their efforts to disrupt the prevailing calm. The North-East region, however, has seen a reduction in violence levels. left Wing extremism remains an important challenge and is also sapping the national resources, the report noted.