India 'concerned' over China running Pakistan port

BANGALORE (AFP) - India's defence minister said on Wednesday that New Delhi was concerned by Pakistan's decision last month to transfer management of a strategically located deep-sea port to China.

"In one sentence, it is a matter of concern for us," A.K. Antony told reporters in Bangalore where he inaugurated the Indian air show. "My answer is very straightforward and simple."

On January 30, Pakistan approved a deal transferring management of Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea from a Singapore company to China, which provided most of the funding to build the facility in the province of Baluchistan.

China has been extending its influence with traditional allies of New Delhi around the Indian Ocean as well as in neighbouring Pakistan, where it is the country's main arms supplier.