China's state-owned tabloid Global Times has warned that India will deploy its newly-acquired Rafale fighter jet aircraft at to its border regions with Pakistan and China. The warning comes just as New Delhi launched a surgical attack across the border to dismantle suspected terrorist camps in Pakistan.

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"Last week, India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France in New Delhi for the purchase of 36 Rafale jet fighters in flyaway condition for $8.82 billion from French company Dassault. The jets can carry tactical nuclear warheads, and this means India's nuclear deterrence capability will be greatly improved," Global Times said.

The newspaper cited a Shenzhen television report to warn that "India will deploy its new French-made fighters in the disputed areas bordering Pakistan and China." It further accused India of hyping up the so-called "China threat" and indulging in an arms purchasing spree.

The nationalistic tabloid noted that the aircraft are capable of carrying nuclear warheads, claiming that India's nuclear deterrence capability has greatly enhanced.  

New Delhi's agreement to acquire 35 Rafale fighter aircraft from France is considered a breakthrough deal for India's air force. The Rafale acquisition is expected to fill a critical gap in India's air defence and also compete against state-of-the-art aircraft owned by Pakistan and China.

India's military build-up has been traditionally underpinned by wariness over its neighbors Pakistan and China. India shares a hostile relationship with both countries due to festering border disputes. The most volatile border dispute being Kashmir, which is responsible for the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan.

The northern Himalayan region of Kashmir is claimed by both India and Pakistan. Both countries have fought three wars to settle the dispute.

Tagschina, Pakistan, India and Pakistan, India and China, Rafale Fghter Jet Aircrafts