New Delhi, September 01:India has taken serious note of the report that accused Pakistan of illegally altering US-supplied Harpoon anti-ship missiles for land attack roles against New Delhi. New Delhi said it would take “steps as are necessary” to safeguard its national security.
Leading American daily, The New York Times on Sunday quoted a senior US official and accused Pakistan of illegally modifying US supplied Harpoon anti-ship missiles during the mid- 1980s.
“We have seen the report and are studying its contents. The Indian government closely monitors all matters pertaining to national security and we will take steps as are necessary,” a top government source said on Monday. But he did not elaborate the details of the steps New Delhi is contemplating.
The country’s defence forces, too, sounded confident. The new Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Nirmal Verma, reposed faith in India’s ability to counter threats when posed in the form of Harpoon missiles modified by Pakistan.
“We should have confidence in our armed forces. They are equipped, trained and have tactics to counter any threat…. threats will be there. We have to take care of them and counter them,” he said while addressing the media soon after the takingover ceremony.
Admiral Verma said the Navy’s job was to not allow Pakistan’s forces to come close enough to the country so that they could launch such missiles. “Our endeavour during maritime operations is to ensure nobody comes within a (striking) distance and launches such missiles.” The modification has reportedly turned the missile into an offensive system that could be dangerous for coastal targets along India’s west coast. Among the obvious targets could be the Kandla port and the massive Jamnagar refinery.
Earlier, while handing over charge, the outgoing Navy chief, Admiral Sureesh Mehta stated this was a problem of proliferation and had been pointed out to the US. “This shows the danger of proliferation and we have been informing the US about it from time to time.” ” This has nothing to do with Pakistan’s self-defence and is against Indian interest,” Admiral Mehta added. He, however, claimed that Harpoon could not be altered too much and Pakistan would need some time to modify the missile to strike at land targets.
—Agencies