India says reviewing procedures after missile accidentally fired into Pakistan

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh claimed that New Delhi was conducting a review of its “procedures for operations, maintenance, and inspection of weapons systems” after accidentally launching a missile into Pakistan last week, said Reuters.

Read more: Pakistan demands explanation from India over ‘accidental’ missile fire

“We attach the highest priority to the safety and security of our weapon systems. If any shortcoming is found, it would be immediately rectified,” Singh told the Indian parliament on Tuesday.

“India accidentally released a missile, which landed in Pakistan, about 7 pm last Wednesday during routine maintenance and inspection”, he added.

“India has started a high-level inquiry into the accident, which did not lead to any injuries or deaths.”

“I can assure the House that the missile system is very reliable and safe,” said the Indian defence minister. However, he did not specifed which missile was accidentally launched.

“Moreover, our safety procedures and protocols are of the highest order and are reviewed from time to time,” Singh said.

Pakistan had demanded an explanation from India over ‘accidental’ missile fire.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar Ahmad last week had said that the grave nature of Indian accidental missile-firing raised several fundamental questions regarding security protocols and technical safeguards against the accidental or unauthorized launch of missiles in a nuclearized environment.

Read more: Air space of Pakistan violated by India on March 9: DG ISPR

“Indian decision to hold an internal court of inquiry is not sufficient since the missile ended up in Pakistani territory. Pakistan demands a joint probe to accurately establish the facts surrounding the incident,” the spokesperson had said in a press release.