Advisor to Prime Minister of foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz has said that Pakistan has serious reservations over the nuclearisation of the Indian Ocean by India. He said that Pakistan would take the matter at the international forums to expose dangerous implications of New Delhi’s plans. Earlier this week, India carried out missile tests to boost its nuclear second strike capabilities.
Indian conventional programmes like expansion of large nuclear submarines and related missiles are leading to the nuclearisation of the Indian Ocean. Deployment of nuclear-armed missiles in the Indian Ocean will not only upset the strategic balance in South Asia but will also affect the maritime security of all states around the Indian Ocean. Pakistan is considering moving a resolution at the next General Assembly session of the United Nations in September to declare the Indian Ocean a “nuclear free zone”. Pakistan should also approach other states that can be affected directly from suspicious actions of India in the Indian Ocean. Pakistan should raise this issue with major powers bilaterally and in multilateral forums.
Significant part of India’s budget is being spent on strengthening defence and upgrading weapon technologies. It would be wise decision to not initiate another phase of arm race in the region; it would not only disturb the balance of power in South Asia but would create more suspicions for neighbours. It is high time to spend on masses in order to provide them better health, education and employment opportunities.