The Minister told the envoy that Pakistan was proud of its relations with China which had always supported Pakistan in difficult times and had played instrumental role in its economic development as well as strengthening its defence sector.

He said that both countries needed to further expand and consolidate their bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefits of the two countries.

The Minister sought the assistance of Chinese government for expanding and building Karachi and Gwadar shipyards. He also lauded the Chinese contribution towards strengthening and developing the defence industry of Pakistan.

The ambassador informed the Minister that China would continue to assist Pakistan in the areas of economy and defence.

He said China was working on a number of projects in Pakistan to make it economically a prosperous country. He said China would help Pakistan in up-gradation of Gwadar Port so as to enhance its capacity and make it a hub of economic and commercial activities. -APP

This is India’s biggest ever defence deal with the US. According to reports, the deal was signed on January 1 by Preeti Sudan, Indian Defence Ministry’s Joint Secretary and and Boeing integrated defence systems vice-president and country head Vivek Lall.

The P-8 is a modification of the P-8A Poseidon Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft currently being developed for US Navy. It is a tailored version for the Indian Navy.

The aircraft will bolster Indian Navy’s maritime patrolling capabilities and extend its reach upto 600 nautical miles. It is fitted with weapons like torpedoes, depth bombs and anti-ship missiles.

The Indian Navy currently has eight Russian Tupolev-142M Turboprops.

The first P-81 is expected to be delivered by 2012-end or early-2013. The rest will be delivered by 2016.

In November 2006, the Indian Navy had expressed an interest in the aircraft as a replacement for its existing fleet of IL-38 aircraft that are nearing the end of their service life.