Sir: The whopping $ 38.6 billion Indian defence budget has a17 percent substantial increase from last year. India is spending a huge amount on its war machinery and since the last five years, it is the number one buyer of arms in the world. This budget is besides the long-term huge commitment and deals with different countries like purchase of 129 Rafal combat aircraft, 145 light Howitzers, 49 warships and upgrading of more than 50 Mirage 2000 fighters. India is flexing its muscles and with the support of the US and is trying to become the dominant power of this region. The US-India civil nuclear cooperation, support for a permanent seat in the Security Council and enhanced role in Afghanistan is part of this grand strategy. It is very unfortunate that the country that advocates peace, whose people are suffering from grinding poverty and has the largest concentration of the world’s illiterate people is busy piling on weapons. Being the immediate neighbour, Pakistan has to be concerned and safeguard its interests but it is a healthy sign that it is not getting into this arms race. Pakistan’s defence budget, which was four percent of the GDP in 2003 is now less than 2.4 percent ($ 5.75 billion for the year 2011-12). But we should not lower our guard. Pakistan has always tried to go the extra mile in having good relations with India but unfortunately the response from the other side is very slow. No progress has been made on the issues of Kashmir, Sir Creek and Siachin, and now the water stoppage and opening of a number of consulates in Afghanistan are further compounding the problems. There is always talk about solving the problems bilaterally and working on confidence building measures (CBMs) but now we should move forward towards solving the irritants. If we remain hostage in the hands of non-state actors then I am afraid that we cannot progress. The trust deficit needs to be bridged with solid actions that speak louder than words. SHAHID ZAHUR Rawalpindi