New Delhi: India's Navy Chief has warned that Pakistan's new cruise missile Babar threatens nuclear stability in South Asia.
"If someone has a cruise missile with a nuclear warhead in it, it is a new threat. But then, of course, you have to find a counter to it," Admiral Arun Prakash, Chief of Naval Staff said.
"If one side can put a nuclear weapon in a cruise missile, then it does worry the other side. It is not insurmountable but it has to be given due attention," Admiral Prakash added.
India's counter-measures could imply nuclear arming its own cruise missiles.
Pakistan defence budget
The earthquake may cost Pakistan nearly Rs 30,000 crores but the defence budget will not be cut.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz confirmed that spending on defence will be maintained keeping in view what he described as "geographical realities".
Pakistan's defence budget at 52 per cent is a little over half of the total budget, though defence expenditure this year overtook spending on development which is about 40 per cent.
Pakistan also receives $70 million every month from America for operations along the Afghanistan border, which is not shown in the defence budget.
Senior International Monetary Fund officials have urged Pakistan to reduce defence spending and divert the money saved into rehabilitating earthquake victims.
A number of American senators have also criticised the proposed sale of 80 F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan, saying the country would be better off spending the money on its people.
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