New Delhi: The Defence ministry has clarified that minister Manohar Parrikar’s statement wondering if India should bind itself to the “no-first use policy” was his personal opinion and not government of India’s official position.
The ministry soon issued a statement clarifying its position. “What Defence Minister Parrikar said was his personal opinion and not official position,” said ANI quoting the ministry statement.
The Opposition, however, seized the moment highlighting the ministry distancing itself from its own minister’s comment.
People say India has not first used nuclear concept.I should say that I'm a responsible nuclear power&I'll not use it irresponsibly:Parrikar pic.twitter.com/4pMh0tKz3h— ANI (@ANI_news) November 10, 2016
“If the Defence minister wants to speak in his personal capacity, he should resign from the government,” tweeted CPM General Secretary Sitaram Yechury.
If the Defence minister wants to speak in his personal capacity, he should resign from the government.https://t.co/gB9PByOygN— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) November 10, 2016
Parrikar while dwelling on the nuclear issue had clarified that the government policy hasn’t changed in this regard.
“It has not changed in government. It is my concept. As an individual I also get the feeling. I am not saying you have to use it first. Hoax can be called off,” he said, adding that prior to the surgical strike, Pakistan Defence Minister used to threaten India with the possible use of tactical nuclear weapons.
This is my thinking. Some may say that Parrikar says nuclear doctrine has changed, it has not changed in any Govt policy: Manohar Parrikar pic.twitter.com/RSTTiUEVxQ— ANI (@ANI_news) November 10, 2016
Taking a dig at the media, he said they would publish that the nuclear policy has changed.
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