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India's 'No First Use' Nuclear Policy Will Depend On Circumstances In Future: Rajnath Singh

The defence minister said this on Twitter after visiting Pokhran where India carried out nuclear tests in 1998.
Hindustan Times via Getty Images

NEW DELHI — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said India remained “firmly committed” to the doctrine of ‘no first use’ for nuclear weapons but what happens in future depends on the circumstances.

The defence minister said this on Twitter after visiting Pokhran where India carried out nuclear tests in 1998 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister. He was in Pokhran to offer tributes on Vajpayee’s first death anniversary.

“Pokhran is the area which witnessed Atal Ji’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.

India has been following the doctrine of no first use of nuclear weapons.

“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 Atal Ji,” he said in a tweet.

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This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.