NEW DELHI, Aug 31 � Amid growing concerns about Beijing�s attempts to entrench its influence in India�s neighbourhood, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna Tuesday said China has been showing �more than the normal interest� in Indian Ocean affairs and its �intentions� are being closely monitored.
�The government of India has come to realise that China has been showing more than the normal interest in the Indian Ocean. So we are closely monitoring the Chinese intentions,� Krishna said in the Lok Sabha.
�We are closely monitoring the developments in the Indian Ocean,� he said, adding that �appropriate action and measures� would be taken to safeguard India�s territorial integrity and the welfare of its fishermen.
Krishna�s statement about Chinese intentions comes amid reports of Beijing�s plan to build additional infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and the deployment of its troops in Gilgit-Baltistan region of PoK, an area India regards as an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir.
There have also been concerns here over what is seen as an attempt by China to enhance influence in India�s neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Krishna was responding to a Calling Attention Motion on recent attacks on Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, moved by TR Baalu of DMK. � IANS
