NEW DELHI, Jan 7: The Japanese and Indian foreign ministers both expressed concerns in talks on Tuesday over Pakistan’s alleged role in transferring nuclear technology to North Korea, officials said.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi said the transfer of nuclear and missile technology by Pakistan to North Korea, if it was taking place, would also have an “impact” on Tokyo’s relations with Islamabad, according to an external affairs ministry spokesman quoted by the Press Trust of India (PTI).

“This would naturally have an impact on bilateral relations between Japan and Pakistan if this was continuing or taking place,” Kawaguchi told her Indian counterpart, Yashwant Sinha.

“Japan is the only country that has suffered the consequences of nuclear bombs. We remain committed to opposing all forms of nuclear proliferation,” Kawaguchi told reporters earlier in the day.

Sinha said New Delhi was very concerned about the alleged nuclear links.

During the meeting, Sinha also conveyed India’s concerns on “cross-border terrorism” allegedly sponsored by Pakistan in occupied Kashmir.

The spokesman said there was a “good understanding” between the two countries on the issue of combating international terrorism.

The Japanese foreign minister will address a business meeting on Wednesday and also call on Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

She is the first Japanese foreign minister to visit India since 1997.

Kawaguchi also reviewed the Delhi Metro, the first phase of which began last month, on Tuesday.

Half of the total cost of two billion dollars for the first phase of the Metro was provided by a loan from the Japanese Bank of International Cooperation.

“If the Indian government approaches us we can consider funding the second phase of Metro,” she said.—AFP