28 July,2009 03:15 PM IST | | Agencies
Pakistan has accused India of threatening peace in South Asia by expanding its military arsenal.
"Continued induction of new lethal weapon systems by India is detrimental to regional peace and stability," Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said late Monday.
The statement came a day after arch-rival India launched its first nuclear-powered submarine for sea trials.
The 6,000-ton INS Arihant, or Destroyer of Enemies, carries a crew of up to 95 and is armed with 12 ballistic missiles, each capable of carrying a 500-kg nuclear warhead to a target 750 kilometres away.
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"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," the ministry statement said.
"Pakistan believes that maintenance of strategic balance is essential for peace and security in South Asia."
Both countries regularly test ballistic missiles and other advanced military hardware and Pakistan conducted tit-for-tat nuclear explosions in 1998.
Pakistani defence strategists say the majority of India's arsenal is Pakistan-specific, and the stockpiles are growing amid New Delhi's increasing desire for military hegemony in the region.
The two neighbours have fought three wars since gaining independence from Britain in 1947.
Relations between them are currently under strain over India's demands that Pakistan act firmly against the proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist organisation, which is believed to be behind the November 2008 attacks in Mumbai, which killed 170 people.
