India voices deep concern over rocket launch by N Korea

India today expressed "deep concern" over the rocket launch by North Korea and called upon that country to refrain from such actions which adversely affect peace and stability in the region.

India's reaction comes a day after North Korea said it had successfully put a satellite into orbit with a rocket launch, which has triggered condemnation from a number of countries, including the US, South Korea, Japan, China, Russia, Britain and France.

"The DPRK rocket launch of February 7 is a matter of deep concern. While countries have the right to exploit outer space for peaceful purposes, this must be in accordance with international obligations," External Affairs Ministry said in a release.
 

"We call upon the DPRK to refrain from such actions, which adversely affect peace and stability in the region," it said.