India’s nuclear policy in future will depend on circumstances: Rajnath Singh

Defense minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that India remained “firmly committed” to the doctrine of ‘no first use’ for nuclear weapons but what happens in future depends on the circumstances.

The defense minister said this on Twitter after visiting Pokhran where India carried out nuclear tests in 1998 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister.

“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 said.

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.

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— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 16, 2019

He was in Pokhran to offer tributes to former Prime Minister 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 Atal Ji,” he said in a tweet.

The defense minister earlier visited Jaisalmer in Rajasthan to attend the closing ceremony of the 5th International Army Scout Masters competition here.

India had conducted nuclear tests in May 1998 under Vajpayee’s leadership.