New Delhi, Nov 26: Terming as "grave" the reported clandestine missile and nuclear weapon-related barter deal between North Korea and Pakistan, India today demanded proper investigation by concerned international regime because of its implication for global security. Reports of such a deal have a ''disturbing ring'' about them, an external affairs ministry spokesman told reporters when asked about disclosures made in the western media.
''Transfers of missile technology to Pakistan from North Korea have security implications for us. Continued linkages between these two countries should be a matter of serious concern to the international community,'' he said.
He said these transfers called into question their proclaimed commitment to non-proliferation and export controls.
Although these linkages go back to the 1990s, they seemed to have become stronger as was demonstrated by the interception of one shipment by India.
''It is not enough that accounts of such clandestine activity remain confined to newspaper reports, however well-informed.
''Because of the grave nature of these reports and the implication for international security, the facts need to be properly investigated'' by the concerned international regime, he stressed. Bureau Report