India’s delivery deficit to neighbours, rising China footprints major concerns: Army Chief

New Delhi, Feb 12 : Indian Army Chief General M.M. Naravane said on Friday that the country’s failure to keep its promises on connectivity and security to its neighbours, coupled with China’s rising footprints are major concerns for the region.
“The rising footprints of China in India’s neighbourhood and its attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo along the disputed borders have created an environment of confrontation and mutual distrust,” General Naravane said during an annual seminar of Assam Rifles and United Services Institution over the evolving security challenges in the Northeast and the way forward.
The Army chief said that regional and internal connectivity is acutely linked to security.
Talking about the Northeast and the prevailing situation in the region, Naravane said, “It is vital to unleash the potential of Northeast and balance the influence of China.” He pointed out that with the failure to deliver on promises, delivery deficit has plagued India’s efforts to improve regional connectivity.
The Kaladan Multi-modal Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway have both seen cost and time overruns, he pointed out.