India is reportedly seeking to acquire a missile defense system amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan, its nuclear-armed rival.

According to the Financial Times, Indian officials have held initial talks with the US over the purchase of a defense shield.

"India is a partner of ours, and we want to provide it with whatever it needs to protect itself," the paper quoted a US embassy official in New Delhi as saying:

Based on the report, Indian officials had been shown computer simulations and live missile tests.

The system India is looking to acquire involves a radar, interceptors, which would try to destroy incoming ballistic missiles.

An unnamed senior Pakistani official told the paper Islamabad would "have to take counter-measures to respond".

JR/MD