Claiming that India is seeking missile defence systems from Russia, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has said it could trigger an arms race in the region.
In an interview to Russian magazine 'Kommersant', he said that Pakistan is seriously concerned about it. "We remain seriously concerned at consequences of the introduction of ballistic missile defences in our region which our neighbour is in the process of acquiring."

"We also stress that the major powers should help prompt a policy of restraint in South Asia and refrain from any actions which could induce an arms race in the region, " he told a news agency which quoted him as saying in the interview. Expressing keen interest in defence cooperation with Moscow on mutually beneficial basis, Musharraf said "I believe that Pakistan-Russia relations have their own intrinsic value and importance. These have nothing to do with any third country."
This is the first instance in recent times that Pakistan is trying to woo Russia, especially to enhance defence co-operation.
Bureau Report