India's launch of its first nuclear-powered submarine capable of carrying ballistic missiles is "detrimental to regional peace and stability", Pakistan's foreign ministry said, vowing to safeguard its own security. India launched the submarine on Sunday as part of a $2.9 billion plan to build five submarines. The vessel, Arihant, will undergo sea trials before being formally inducted in 2015, Reuters reported. It completes a nuclear triad for India of fighter aircraft, missiles and now submarines capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Nuclear-armed rival Pakistan has only aircraft and missiles to deliver nuclear payloads, according to military officials. "Pakistan believes that maintenance of strategic balance is essential for peace and security in South Asia," the office of the Pakistani foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement late on Monday. "Without entering into an arms race with India, Pakistan will take all appropriate steps to safeguard its security and maintain strategic balance in South Asia," it said.
