India urges US to attack Pakistan
New Delhi to test-fire Agni-III
NEW DELHI: Indian Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha has described Pakistan as a "fit case" for an Iraqi-style military action by the US because it has weapons of mass destruction, sheltered terrorists and lacked democracy.
"It is a fit case," Sinha told the Hindustan Times in an interview published on Sunday when asked whether Pakistan deserved action similar to that against Iraq. Sinha said he would not oppose such action against Pakistan, but added: "...whether they will, is up to them. We can't go to someone and ask them to attack another country."
"We will keep pointing out the activities of Pakistan and in them the role of the army, the drug business centred in Pakistan ... and how people in (Azad Kashmir) are repressed and trampled on," he said.
"We derive some satisfaction ... because I think all those people in the international community ... realise that India has a much better case to go for pre-emptive action against Pakistan than the US has in Iraq," he added.
Meanwhile, Indian Defence Minister George Fernandez said India is planning to test fire Agni-III, a long rang nuclear-capable surface to surface missile, this year. According to Kashmir Media Service, Fernandez told PTI in an interview that "test firing of Agni-III is overdue and we feel the need for that long-range missile as part of our policy of deterrence".
Asked as to what would be the range of Agni-III, Fernandes said it would have a strike capacity longer than Agni-II, which has a range of over 2000 km. India is in possession of surface-to-surface missiles, 700-km range Agni-I and Agni II, which are both capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
Replying to a question as to when Agni-III would be test-fired, the minister said: "The date has not been firmed up. Effort is to see that it is test-fired this year". On whether Agni-I and Agni-II have been deployed with the armed forces, Fernandes said: "Well, they are available for deployment."
Replying to a question if these missiles would be with the strategic forces or the Army, he said "that will depend on the situation that will demand their use". Fernandes replied in the affirmative when asked if Agni-I and Agni-II were being produced.
"Apart from Agni and Prithvi, (the) supersonic cruise missile Brahmos is something exclusive. Nobody else has this missile today," Fernandes said and added: We are ready now (for deployment). All tests are complete." |
