India arrests N. Korean crew for smuggling missile parts

NEW DELHI [MENL] -- Indian authorities arrested the senior officers of a North Korean ship, detained in India last month, after authorities discovered a cargo of missile parts thought to be bound for Pakistan.

India and Pakistan, both nuclear powers implemented a ceasefire on Friday, following fighting over disputed regions of Kashmir.

The Indian Express reported that Indian customs authorities arrested N. Korean Captain Taemin Hun and chief officer Kim-sol Ik for violating the Customs Act and Arms Act.

The ship had docked at Kandla on India's west coast last month. The crew claimed the ship was transporting a cargo of water treatment equipment. But a customs check revealed that the cargo was comprised of equipment used to manufacture surface-to-surface missiles with a range of 180 miles.

N. Korea has recently come under heavy criticism from the United States, S. Korea and Japan for imminent plans to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile.

The foreign ministers of Japan, South Korea and the United States will meet on July 26 in Singapore to coordinate policies regarding North Korea's impending launch and missile program.