Indian missile tests conducted at a very sensitive time were of serious concern and that was expressed by Britain, Mr Hoon told a press conference at the conclusion of his day-long visit to Pakistan.
“What is important that we use our influence with both India and Pakistan to exercise caution and calm and to encourage dialogue,” Mr Hoon said.
Mr Hoon also appreciated the steps taken by President Gen Musharraf against the extremist elements and termed his last month’s speech “courageous and strong.”
The British Secretary of State for Defence reiterated oft repeated desire by the world leaders, who visited Pakistan over the past few months for initiation of dialogue between the two neighbours to resolve all outstanding issues including Kashmir.
Mr Hoon, however, underlined the need of de-escalation of tension and withdrawal of forces before the start of dialogue process to examine all the outstanding issues.
“Pakistan and India should step back from the brink of conflict,” he observed.
Britain, he said, wanted to see reduction in tension between Pakistan and India and would continue to advise both the countries for de-escalation of the current situation.
Replying to a question about sale of high-tech military hardware to India, he assured that Britain had always adopted an even-handed approach towards India and Pakistan.
The rules and principles for taking decisions for sale of military equipment to both the countries were applied even- handedly, he added.
He said the issue was also came up for discussion during his talks with defence officials in Pakistan and he made it clear that no discrimination was being done.
As regard military cooperation with Pakistan, he said, the importance of training exchanges could not be diminished as it helped develop life-long relations between the trainees.
“President himself is an excellent example of the way personnel relations are established in training exchange programmes,” he said.
Britain and Pakistan, he added, had a great history in common and their forces were also organized on the same lines.
The Defence Cooperation Forum, which was being re- established, would meet in London next month to explore new venues for strengthening the defence training programmes.
He also lauded Pakistan’s support in the international war against terrorism and said the achievements made in Afghanistan would not have been possible without Pakistan’s support.
Mr Hoon said in his meetings with President Musharraf and other military officials he discussed the war against terrorism, security situation in the region in the context of Pakistan-India stand off and defence cooperation between Pakistan and Britain.