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India says North Korea test poses threat beyond Asia

18 Oct 2006 14:10:54 GMT
Source: Reuters

NEW DELHI, Oct 18 (Reuters) - North Korea's nuclear test has upset the balance of power in Asia and poses a threat beyond the continent, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Wednesday.

Pyongyang conducted an underground test last week, drawing condemnation from around the world and U.N. sanctions aimed at choking off its weapons programmes.

India, which tested atomic devices in 1974 and again in 1998, has made it clear it does not want another nuclear power in Asia.

"The spread of science has led to the emergence of weapons of mass destruction, most recently seen in its manifestation in North Korea, thus changing the regional balance of power and threatening trans-regional consequences," Singh told a conference of military commanders in New Delhi.

India, keen to present itself as a responsible nuclear power with a democratic polity, is worried that North Korea's move might scupper a civilian nuclear deal with the United States that was signed last year.

The agreement has been stalled in the U.S. Congress, which has to give its approval before President George W. Bush can sign it into law.

The nuclear pact aims to overturn a three-decade ban on New Delhi and allow it to access nuclear equipment and fuel to meet the soaring energy needs of its fast-growing economy.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair last week drew a distinction between India's nuclear programme and that of communist North Korea, saying India was a democracy that abided by the rule of law and international obligations.

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Last updated:Wed Oct 18 14:12:14 2006