The Indian government on Friday sought to allay fears that the Agni-II test would lead to an escalation of tensions, but that cut no ice with Pakistan, which immediately termed the test “prejudicial to the pursuit of stability in our region, especially during the current situation”.
A foreign office statement in Islamabad said that Pakistan favoured a policy of restraint, and added, “We hope the international community will take note of this Indian behaviour, which is prejudicial to the pursuit of stability in our region, especially during the current situation.
“The test comes at a time of tensions when the Indian forces are massed on our borders. On its part, Pakistan favours a policy of restraint in the region.” The statement also said that Pakistan had the means to defend itself.
Indian efforts to dispel misgivings of the international community, however, seemed to have paid off and there were no protests from any of the major players in the immediate aftermath.
Two days before the test, the Indian government had informed all the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, besides Germany, Japan and also Pakistan. Pakistan deputy high commissioner J. A. Jilani was provided the information, external affairs spokesperson Nirupama Rao said, in keeping with the spirit of the Lahore Declaration signed by the foreign secretaries of the two countries.
In a briefing soon after the test, Ms Rao said, “This step (test) is not intended to be provocative or de-stabilising.” She added that it was not directed against any country and not intended to lead to an arms race. “While our programme is not country-specific, it is based on an assessment of our own requirements,” she said.
In response to a question on the
UN Secretary General’s statement calling for withdrawal of’ troops from
the forward position at the border, the spokesperson said the responsibility
for the tensions rested solely with Pakistan. It was for Pakistan to take
concrete action in response to Indian demands and to reduce and eliminate
cross-border terrorism and infiltration across the LoC, she said. However,
within hours of the test, British foreign secretary Jack Straw said he
“regretted the decision, especially in the fight of current regional tension”
even as old ally Russia expressed its “understanding”. China, a major missile
power, did not immediately react.