New Delhi, September 06: The Government is registering a strong protest with Washington on Pakistan reported upgradation of the Harpoon missile. America’s continued aid to Pakistan and its silence on the issue is worrying the MEA.
US Ambassador Timothy Roemer’s first brush with an angry South Block – a demarche from Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao.
In the context of regular discussions with the US on a range of issues, the Foreign secretary and US ambassador on September 1 had a discussion on the reported upgradation of Harpoon missiles. We understand that the US is equally concerned about this matter.
Tim Roemer was told that illegal modifications to the Harpoon missile are a threat to India’s security. Separately, the National Security Advisor discussed the Harpoon upgrade with Roemer, reminding him of Pakistan’s cheating in the past.
The Harpoon modification basically converted an anti-ship missile into a land attack one. The aircraft from which it is launched the Orion maritime patrol aircraft had also been suitably modified for this role. The target clearly is India.
Roemer was told that it was disappointing that India had repeatedly brought to america’s notice such instances and yet military aid to Pakistan continued. Both the US Embassy and MEA have chosen not to comment on this report.
–Agencies