Pakistan shows concerns over India's induction of Rafale jets
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail Xinhua, July 30, 2020
ISLAMABAD, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Thursday expressed serious concerns over India's induction of Rafale fighter jets imported from France into the Indian Air Force and said it could lead to an arms race in South Asia.
A batch of five Rafale jets reached at Indian air force station Ambala in the northern state of Haryana on Wednesday. The five aircraft is the first tranche of the 36 planes bought by India from France.
"We have seen reports of recent acquisition of Rafale jets by Indian Air Force. According to some former senior Indian officials and several international publications, these Rafale jets have dual-capable systems that can also be modified as nuclear weapon delivery platforms," Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said.
"It is well known that India continues to expand and modernize its nuclear arsenal both in terms of type and number of delivery systems. In addition to this, India has nuclearized the Indian Ocean and continues to increase the readiness of its arsenal," Farooqui said at her weekly press briefing in Islamabad.
She said it is disturbing to note that India continues to amass military capabilities beyond its genuine security requirement, adding that according to credible and reputable international research institutes, India is now the second largest arms importer in the world.
The spokesperson said Pakistan has been consistently highlighting the risks of massive Indian arms buildup as well as their offensive security doctrine and force postures, which are adversely affecting the strategic stability in South Asia.
"Transfer of advanced systems, where there is an open intention of conversion into nuclear delivery platforms, calls into question the commitment of international suppliers to non-proliferation commitments," she said, urging the world community to dissuade India from its disproportionate arms buildup which could also lead to an arms race in South Asia.
"On Pakistan's part, we remain open to consideration of measures for crisis management, risk reduction, and strategic restraint. While remaining opposed to any arms race in South Asia, Pakistan cannot remain oblivious to these developments, and remain confident of its ability to thwart any ill-considered act of aggression," Farooqui said. Enditem
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)