India’s outgoing naval chief Adm. Sureesh Mehta, addressing a function organised by the National Maritime Foundation (NMF) stated that "in military terms, both conventional and non-conventional, we [India] neither have the capability nor the intention to match China, force for force." Adm. Mehta added that "coping with China will be one of our primary challenges in the years ahead." Stating that a serious “trust deficit” existed between the two countries, he noted that the 13th round of talks aimed at settling the disputed India-China border ended with little progress1.

• 1. “Indian naval head warns of Chinese military challenge,” August 21, 2009, at http://www.janes.com/news/defence/jdw/jdw090812_2_n.shtml