NEW DELHI - The Taliban operating in Pakistan pose a “real threat” to India, the region and the world, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said Thursday.

“The Taliban are a threat to world peace, our region and a real threat to India,” he told reporters here on the sidelines of the two-day Unified Commanders Conference that he inaugurated here.

Antony also expressed concern over the situation in Pakistan.

“Pakistan is in turmoil. We are very concerned about it. We are trying to convince Pakistan that they have to take strict action against anti-India elements operating from there,” he maintained.

Given this, the minister said India could not afford to lower its guard along its western border, especially in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Of late, there is a decline in infiltration along the border. But we cannot say it is an improvement, since terrorists are still operating from the other side. India can not lower its guard at the border, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. We have to be very vigilant and careful,” Antony contended.

He said he would discuss the security scenario in the South Asian region with visiting US National Security Advisor James Jones Friday.

He is visiting me tomorrow. We will discuss the security situation in the (South Asian) region. When we discuss this, we can not avoid (mention of) Afghanistan,” Antony said.

Better coordination and strengthening the war fighting capabilities of the army, the navy and the air force are high on the agenda of the Unified Commanders Conference, being held on the theme “Victory through Jointness”.