ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office on Friday strongly objected to attempts by India to purchase Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missiles.
In a statement, the Foreign Office said that the Indian purchase of S-400 missile system is part of their efforts to acquire a Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system through multiple sources.
It expressed concern that this will further destabilise strategic stability in South Asia, besides leading to a renewed arms race.
Following the May 1998 nuclear tests by both sides, the Foreign Office said Pakistan had proposed a strategic restraint regime in the region, advocating against the acquisition of BMD systems due to their destabilising effect.
However, Indian rejection of this proposal forced Pakistan to develop capabilities which render any BMD system ineffective and unreliable.
Pakistan remains fully confident of its ability to address threats from any kind of destabilizing weapon system, it added.
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The Foreign Office reiterated commitment towards ensuring national defence in line with the policy of maintaining credible minimum deterrence and maintaining strategic balance in the region in the future as well.
India had signed the agreement for the contract to develiver the S-400 surface-to-air missile systems during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to India earlier this month.
The first deliveries to India will take place within two years, head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugaev has said. The deal cost more than five billion dollars.
