Defence Minister Rajnath Singh replied to the Opposition's demand seeking PM Modi's reply on Trump's remarks. (PTI/File)Known for his carefully calibrated choice of words, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Friday created a flutter when he said that India remained “firmly committed” to the doctrine of “no first use” for nuclear weapons but indicated that this may not be etched in stone.
The Defence minister's tweets came after visiting Pokhran where India carried out nuclear tests in May 1998 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was Prime Minister.
Now, for the tightrope walk
India's official position has been no-first-use since Vajpayee. But Rajnath Singh's comments re-open the debate. As China and Pak cosy up on Kashmir and India aspires to join the NSG, Delhi will have to do a tightrope walk.
“Pokhran is the area which witnessed Atalji's firm resolve to make India a nuclear power and yet remain firmly committed to the doctrine of ‘No First Use'. India has strictly adhered to this doctrine. What happens in future depends on the circumstances,” Singh said. He was in Pokhran to offer tributes to Vajpayee on his first death anniversary.
“India attaining the status of a responsible nuclear nation became a matter of national pride for every citizen of this country. The nation will remain indebted to the greatness of Atalji,” he said in a tweet.
India attaining the status of a responsible nuclear nation became a matter of…
