New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in a telephonic conversation with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday, reiterated India’s position on the need to pursue a path of dialogue to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and told the latter that nuclear weapons should not be used by any side.
According to a report by news agency ANI, Singh pointed out that neither side should resort to nuclear weapons as it goes against the basic tenets of humanity.
According to the report, this comes in the wake of Shoigu flagging Russia's concerns about the possible use of a "dirty bomb" by Ukraine.
It is to be noted that Rajnath Singh held a telephonic conversation at the request of Shoigu and the two leaders discussed bilateral defence cooperation and the deteriorating condition in Ukraine.
Earlier, US President Joe Biden had warned Russia against using nuclear weapons in the ongoing conflict, saying it would be an 'incredibly serious mistake'. "Let me just say: Russia would be making an incredibly serious mistake if it uses a tactical nuclear weapon," Biden said at the White House on Tuesday.
According to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, President Biden was clear about what he said. "He said it again today. It would be a major mistake for Russia to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, leading to severe consequences. As for the potential use of a dirty bomb, look, Russia is pushing transparently false allegations," a report by Hindustan Times quoted her as saying.