Pakistan says "seriously concerned" by India's missile tests

India's actions are upsetting the strategic balance in South Asia, says foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is "seriously concerned" by India's recent test of anti-ballistic missiles which media reports say could intercept incoming nuclear weapons, a senior foreign ministry official said on Thursday, warning it would upgrade its defences.

India's defence and foreign ministries did not respond to requests for comment and the defence ministry has not stated whether any test was conducted. India has not announced these tests in the past.

India on May 15 tested a locally designed Anti-Ballistic Missile system which could in theory intercept a nuclear-carrying ballistic missile.



Islamabad views its nuclear arsenal as a deterrent against India's much larger conventional military.

Sartaj Aziz, foreign affairs adviser to prime minister, told the senate that India's latest test, as well as recent tests of nuclear capable submarine-based ballistic missiles, was "leading to nuclearisation" of the Indian Ocean.

"Pakistan has serious concerns over these developments and will take all necessary measures to augment its defence capabilities," Aziz said.

Pakistan alleges India is building large nuclear-powered submarines capable of carrying nuclear-armed missiles.

Aziz said India's actions were upsetting the strategic balance in South Asia and affecting the maritime security of other Indian Ocean nations.

"We are not oblivious to our defence needs and will have to upgrade our defensive capabilities through suitable technologies without entering into an arms race," Aziz said, according to a foreign ministry statement.