NEW DELHI, July 6: The test firing of Hatf-III by Pakistan does call for a ``measured response'' from India but it is not likely to kick off a missile race in the sub-continent, defence experts here say. Experts said this was evident from the ``calm and considered'' reaction of both India and Pakistan to the reported test firing of the new Pakistani missile.

On the other hand, while the United States was still reportedly mum on the Hatf-111, China, accused of tacit support to Pakistan's misile programme, also maintained a studied silence and reacted merely by saying that it was not clear about the report.

The experts said, a comparison of the statements from Islamabad and New Delhi in the wake of the test firing revealed that ``caution'' and ``restraint'' were their hallmarks. While expressing ``deep concern'' at the development, India said it would draw ``appropriate conclusions'' and remain prepared to safeguard the country's security against all eventualities, the experts pointed out.

Pakistan on its part confirmed the reports about the test firing of the missile, without confirming its range, saying it was for ``peaceful'' purposes and a ``routine'' test conducted by the Karachi-based Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUARCO). The initial Indian reaction was that the government was ``carefully'' assessing'' the implications of the test firing of Hatf-III, with particular reference to its security.

The optimism of the experts on a missile race not getting fuelled was also based on India's policy with regard to the development of missiles. The Indian government's stand is that the ``indigenous development of missile capability by the country is in response to the evolving security environment in the region.''

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.