Number of Chinese nuke subs worry India

India on Monday voiced concern over the build-up of Chinese submarines equipped with nuclear arsenals in its neighbourhood amid indications that the issue will be discussed by the Cabinet Committee on Security soon.

It is a 'cause for security concern' to India, Naval Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta told media persons in New Delhi when asked about the revelations by satellite pictures that China had amassed five nuclear submarines carrying long range missiles.

"It is not the nuclear submarine bases that matter, we are concerned over the number of nuclear submarines that are being built in our neighbourhood," he said.

Defence Minister A K Antony sought to be evasive on the subject, saying the country's armed forces are capable of taking 'full care of our security interests' whether it is sea lanes or land borders.

The CCS is likely to meet soon to deliberate on the security implications that the build-up in the South China sea will have on India.

The pictures suggest that China has secretly built a major underground nuclear submarine base that could threaten India and other countries in the region.

Satellite imagery reportedly showed that a substantial harbour has been built which could house a score of nuclear submarines equipped with ballistic missiles besides a host of aircraft carriers at the Sanya base on Southern tip of Hainan island.

"Nuclear Submarines have long legs and can operate over long distances," said Admiral Mehta who is expected to brief the CCS to be chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.