India’s 'No First Use' Policy on Nuclear Weapons Will Depend On Circumstances, Says Rajnath Singh

Earlier during the day, Singh exuded confidence that the cooperation between India, Russia, China and other countries of Central Asia will strengthen in the coming days and they will be able to face global threats with mutual support.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. PIC/AFP

New Delhi: Amid India’s simmering tensions with Pakistan, defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that India continues to have a ‘no first use’ policy on nuclear weapons but also said "what happens in future will depend on the circumstances". “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 tweeted. “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,”the defence minister’s another tweet read.

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.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 16, 2019

Earlier during the day, Singh exuded confidence that the cooperation between India, Russia, China and other countries of Central Asia will strengthen in the coming days and they will be able to face global threats with mutual support. ALSO READ: Pakistan Launches Crackdown On Sale Of Indian Film CDs Singh was addressing the concluding ceremony of the fifth International Army Scout Masters Competition in Jaisalmer. In his first Independence Day speech after being re-elected for a second term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the country will now have a chief of defence staff (CDS) to bring synergy in functioning of the Army, Navy and Air Force, a proposal which was first mooted after the Kargil conflict in 1999. Later, Rajnath Singh on Twitter said the announcement by Modi on the CDS has been made keeping in view the much needed reform to streamline and further improve the coordination among the three forces and their functioning. (With additional information from PTI)