(a) whether the military ruler of Pakistan has threatened to use nuclear weapons against India;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the way the Government propose to counter the threat?
(a) whether the military ruler of Pakistan has threatened to use nuclear weapons against India;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the way the Government propose to counter the threat?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI AJIT KUMAR PANJA)
(a), (b) In an interview last month the `Chief Executive` of the current military regime General Pervez Musharraf said that Pakistan could use its nuclear weapons against India if its security is jeopardised.
(c) In our interaction with other countries, Government continues to highlight Pakistan`s lack of restraint on nuclear issues, which was also reflected in certain irresponsible statements made by Pakistan during the Kargil conflict. This is in contrast with India`s stand of commitment to `no-first-use` and `minimum deterrence`. Government remains fully committed to taking all necessary steps to effectively safeguard India`s security and national interest in accordance with its own assessment of threats to our security.