29 July,2009 02:26 PM IST | | ANI
The Pakistan Navy does not consider India's launch of its first indigenously-made nuclear submarine as a major security threat to it, The News reports.
Pakistan Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Bashir Noman said the launch of India's first indigenously made nuclear-powered submarine INS-Arihant is not a major concern for the country's naval force.
Admiral Bashir, who is currently in China to witness the commissioning of the first China-made frigate for Pakistan, said Islamabad and New Delhi must maintain a good relationship.
"We are not focused on India. India is a neighbor, so we must have good relationship," said Bashir.
He said Pakistan Navy's prime objective is to combat terrorism, piracy, and other illegal uses of the sea such as drug trafficking, and protecting the sea lines of communication in the Indian Ocean.
Bashir's remarks come a day after the Pakistan Foreign Office raised concerns over INS-Arihant's launch.
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The Pakistan Foreign Office said such a step would destabilise the region and would have a detrimental effect on regional peace.
"Continued induction of new lethal weapon systems by India is detrimental to regional peace and stability," Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit said.
Basit said Pakistan would take all measures to ensure strategic balance in the region.
"Without entering into an arms race with India, Pakistan will take all appropriate steps to safeguard its security and maintain strategic balance in South Asia," Basit added.
