Brahmos in flight
Brahmos in flight |
"The introduction of this new weapon system will aggravate the existing balance in the region and further encourage India in its hegemonic designs," foreign office spokesman Aziz Ahmed Khan told a press briefing.
"It should also be a matter of deep concern that this cooperation is a clear violation of international obligations of Russia as a member of MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime)," he said.
MTCR is an informal political arrangement aimed at controlling the proliferation of missiles able to carry weapons of mass destruction.
The missile, known as Brahmos, has a range of 300 kilometres (186 miles) and can carry a 200-kilogramme (440-pound) conventional war-head.
It was first test-fired in June last year, but India also reported successful tests over its eastern state of Orissa on Sunday.
"Pakistan will take all necessary steps to ensure a strong defence capability to deter any aggressive design against our sovereignty and territorial integrity," Khan said.
"We have also always impressed upon major powers to refrain from policies and measures that would de-stabilize the region.
Tensions between nuclear rivals India and Pakistan remain high after New Delhi blamed Pakistan-based militants for an attack on its parliament last December.
Both sides amassed thousands of troops at their mutual border in the disputed Himalayan state of Kashmir following the attack.
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