NEW DELHI: Owing to growing fears from China and Pakistan’s military cooperation, Indian Defence Minister seeks around $39 billion hike in country’s defece budget for the current year, SAMAA reports.

"The growing proximity of China and Pakistan is a cause of worry...I know the gravity of the situation. We have to take a second look at the defence budget in light of the changing threat perceptions,'' Indian Defence minister AK Antony told the parliament.

If defence minister’s proposal approved, India’s defence outlay for 2012-13 is likely to rocket up to $45 billion from $ 39 billion). The proposed increase will take defence expenditure from 1.9% of the GDP to 2.35%.

Antony said, "After analysis of the threat perception, we have found that the picture is problematic. We will need to have a second look at the defence budget...

The minister was replying to a discussion on the performance of his Ministry in the Rajya Sabha (Council of States is the upper house of the Parliament).

He said the Government had earlier approved raising of two mountain divisions along with a Special Forces battalion, an artillery brigade and an armoured regiment for deployment in the northeast sector.

"We will build a new offensive corps, with two specialized divisions for high-altitude areas, " said Antony. – SAMAA/AGENCIES