India today stated that the nuclear weapon policy of ‘No First Use’ is unlikely to continue in future if circumstances change. The statement came when the Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Pokhran to pay homage to Late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
“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,” stated Singh.
He also said that India’s status of a responsible nuclear nation became a matter of national pride for every citizen, adding that the nation remains indebted to the former PM. “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,” tweeted Singh.
Earlier on November 10, 2016, the then defence minister Manohar Parrikar had stated that India should change its stance and say “we are a responsible nuclear power and I will not use it irresponsibly” instead of following the “no first use policy”, however, clarified later that it was his personal view.
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