NEW DELHI: India, on July 17, declared that it would be forced to take suitable measures to match the acquisition of 11 missiles and other military hardware by Pakistan to safeguard its security interests.
The External Affairs Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, told media persons, here, on his return after a weeklong three nation West European tour, that the M11 missiles reportedly acquired from China would enhance Pakistan’s military striking power.
“If Pakistan’s striking power is enhanced (by its acquisition of M11 missiles), India will have no other option but to make arrangements to match its security Requirements,” Mukherjee said.
Without elaborating on the nature of the measures, Mukherjee merely said that India will have to “match” the enhanced military striking power of Pakistan in the wake of the acquisition of the M11 missiles.
Mukherjee said, both China and the US were aware of India’s security concerns following the sale of M11 missiles as well as Washington’s efforts to sell military hardware worth $320 millions, including spare parts and engines for Pakistan’s existing fleet of F16 fighter bombers.
Mukherjee had wide-ranging talks ‘with leaders in Germany, Austria and Portugal with the high point being the signing of a bilateral investment protection agreement between India and Germany in Bonn.
Replying to questions, Mukherjee said, he had conveyed to the German leaders that all out efforts should be made to prevent clandestine transaction of nuclear materials through its territory. A Pakistani national was arrested last year for alleged involvement in smuggling of components for nuclear weapons.
Mukherjee clarified that Germany had not imposed any conditions for the transfer of dual use technology to India.
India had made it clear to Germany that in the light of its (New Delhi) track record, the transfer, of this technology should not be linked to India’s refusal to signing the nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 21, 1995
