India Committed To 'No First Use' Of Nuclear Doctrine, But Future Depends On Circumstances: Rajnath Singh

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh remembered former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on his first death anniversary and in a series of tweets hailed Vajpayee's contribution in strengthening India's nuclear programme. He added that while India was committed to 'No First Use' of nuclear doctrine , the future would depend on 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.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 16, 2019

The Defence Minister said this after visiting Pokhran where India had conducted nuclear tests in 1998 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister.

Singh said that the nation would be indebted to Vajpayee for his efforts in making India a nuclear power. "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 wrote. 

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.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 16, 2019

Singh also tweeted photographs from his visit to Pokhran where he paid tribute to the former Prime Minister.

Visited Pokhran today and paid homage to the former Prime Minister of India and one of the stalwarts of Independent India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji on his first death anniversary. pic.twitter.com/fhyGyolDqc

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 16, 2019

"Visited Pokhran today and paid homage to the former Prime Minister of India and one of the stalwarts of Independent India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji on his first death anniversary," Singh tweeted. 

(With inputs from PTI)