India's INS-Arihant no threat to Pak: Naval Chief

Beijing, Jul 29: The Pakistan Navy does not consider India's launch of its first indigenously-made nuclear submarine as a major security threat to it, The News reports.

Pakistan Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Bashir Noman said the launch of India's first indigenously made nuclear-powered submarine INS-Arihant is not a major concern for the country's naval force.

Admiral Bashir, who is currently in China to witness the commissioning of the first China-made frigate for Pakistan, said Islamabad and New Delhi must maintain a good relationship.

"We are not focused on India. India is a neighbor, so we must have good relationship," said Bashir.

He said Pakistan Navy's prime objective is to combat terrorism, piracy, and other illegal uses of the sea such as drug trafficking, and protecting the sea lines of communication in the Indian Ocean.

Bashir's remarks come a day after the Pakistan Foreign Office raised concerns over INS-Arihant's launch.

ANI