India tests war readiness near Pakistan border

POKHRAN, India, (Reuters) Indian fighter jets pounded mock enemy bunkers close to the Pakistan border on Sunday in a show of air power at a time when the two nuclear-armed rivals are trying to improve relations.
The exercise was watched by military attaches from about 30 countries but not Pakistan and China, neighbours who would be keen to take a look at Indias military firepower.
Last week saw the first official talks between India and Pakistan since the militant attacks in Mumbai in 2008. The talks ended with an agreement to keep in touch, signalling relations remain fraught despite a desire to reopen a dialogue that India suspended after the Mumbai killings.
Indias Defence Minister said despite Pakistan promising action against militants, he was concerned about what he called training camps in Pakistan and the threat they posed to Indias security.
Our real concern is the existence of armed terrorist camps intact across our borders. We feel there is no serious attempt or effort to dismantle these terrorist camps. So we are concerned, we are very worried about that, Defence Minister AK Antony, told reporters at Pokhran on the sidelines of the war exercise.
Antony said it remained to be seen whether Pakistan takes action against the groups now.
Although such military shows are usually planned a long way in advance, the timing is being considered by many as unhelpful for efforts to reduce tension between India and Pakistan.
In Sundays war games, planes including Sukhois, Mirage 2000s and MiG 21s, roared through the sky, bombing simulated enemy targets including militant training camps and bunkers.
Indian President Pratibha Patil also watched as targets were hit with bombs and rockets, raising balls of fire and dust in the deserts of Pokhran, the site of Indias nuclear test facility.
Indian Defence officials said the exercise would test the air forces ability at precision bombing of militant camps, particularly those behind enemy lines.