(a) whether India is firm on its nuclear policy in the national interest; and
(b) if so, the India`s stand on C.T.B.T. keeping in view the present situation?
(a) whether India is firm on its nuclear policy in the national interest; and
(b) if so, the India`s stand on C.T.B.T. keeping in view the present situation?
MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI JASWANT SINGH)
(a) Yes Sir.
(b) India`s position on the CTBT was articulated by the Prime Minister in the UN General Assembly in September 1998 and in Parliament in December 1998. This was reiterated by the External Affairs Minister at the UN General Assembly in September 1999. The priority of our meeting the country`s national security concerns having been addressed, the government believes that we now need to convey reassurance to the international community and, in this regard, desires to develop a national consensus. That remains the Government`s position.