India criticised North Korea’s decision to test a thermo-nuclear device on Sunday, saying it views with “deep concern” the test that was in violation of its international commitment, and constituted a threat to India’s national security as well.

“India deplores the nuclear test conducted by the DPRK (North Korea) this morning,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement, adding, “We call upon DPRK to refrain from such actions which adversely impact peace and stability in the region and beyond.”

Veiled reference

In a veiled reference to the nuclear threat from North Korea and Pakistan, the MEA added in its statement on Sunday that “India also remains concerned about the proliferation of nuclear and missile technologies which has adversely impacted India’s national security.”

The MEA statement comes on the back of a number of statements made by India on the North Korean issue in recent months. In June, condemnation of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s actions was contained in the Indo-U.S. joint statement issued during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington.

The issue is also likely to be highlighted during the upcoming visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who will travel to India in mid-September.