Eye on Pak, India wants N Korea N-links probed
India on Tuesday, in a veiled reference to Pakistan, sought investigations into North Korea's nuclear proliferation linkages. It is an open secret that Pakistan had secretly supplied North Korea with nuclear enrichment technology when AQ Khan headed the former’s nuclear programme.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj made these views known during her trilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and her Japanese counterpart Taro Kono on the side lines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly session here.
The remarks came days after North Korea fired another mid-range ballistic missile over Japan on Friday. Deploring the action, the minister said that North Korea’s proliferation linkages must be explored and those involved must be held accountable.
Responding to questions at a press conference, the MEA spokesperson did not specify the country, but said the hints were enough to determine that.
"I think I am giving you enough material to try to figure out what we are talking about," he said. "We have very clearly mentioned that we not only deplore DPRK's recent actions but also stated that its proliferation linkages must be explored and those involved be held accountable," the official said.
In addition to proliferation, the three leaders discussed the issue of maritime security and connectivity. "On connectivity, there was discussion on how to base it on universally recognised international norms, prudent financing and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity," the official said. The first trilateral ministerial meeting between the three countries was held in 2015.