Article Posted on : - Dec 22, 2010

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev shake hands after their joint press conference in New Delhi on Tuesday. Photo: PTI

ISLAMABAD (PTI): Pakistan on Tuesday expressed concern at nuclear and defence agreements signed by India and Russia, saying the accords will create instability in the region.

Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit described the agreements as "dangerous" for the region and said they would lead to a regional imbalance.

"Pakistan is not oblivious of its defence," Basit told the media when he was asked about Islamabad's response to the pacts.

Following talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in New Delhi on Tuesday, a deal for the design of advanced fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) at an estimated cost of USD 295 million is among 30 pacts inked by India and Russia in several key areas such as defence and civil nuclear sector to impart new impetus to their "special and privileged" ties.

The two leaders also discussed construction of additional Russian designed nuclear reactors at Kudankulam, where two units are ready to be commissioned. While first unit will be commissioned by end of this month or early next month, the second unit will be commissioned by next year-end.

Medvedev also supported India as a "deserving and strong candidate" for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council as and when a decision for its expansion is taken.

Basit said Pakistan has always supported reforms in the UN and efforts by India to get a permanent seat in the Security Council will affect these reforms.

Pakistan is aware that the move by some countries to get permanent seats in the UN Security Council is hindering reforms, he said.

There are many countries which support Pakistan's stand that the UN Security Council should function in a democratic and transparent manner, he said.

Pakistan will pursue its stand and wants the dialogue process on UN reforms to be transparent so as to make the world body more active, he added.