New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has firmly asserted that India will not bow to external pressures on its nuclear policy.
He responded to US President Donald Trump’s recent allegation that Pakistan is secretly conducting underground nuclear tests.
In an exclusive interview with News18, Singh emphasised that New Delhi’s decisions on security and atomic doctrine will be guided solely by national interests. This will be taken at the appropriate juncture.
Trump’s remarks, aired on CBS’s 60 Minutes on November 2, sparked global speculation. Justifying his order to resume US nuclear testing after a 33-year moratorium, Trump claimed: “Russia’s testing, China’s testing…” Certainly North Korea has been testing. Pakistan’s been experimenting.” He alleged these nations perform covert detonations deep underground, evading international detection, though no verifiable evidence supports the assertions. Pakistan has denied the claims, reaffirming its moratorium since the 1998 Chagai tests. Experts note seismic events in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region earlier this year were confirmed as natural earthquakes by bodies like the CTBTO.
Singh dismissed any influence from Washington or Islamabad: “The future will reveal what India does.” Whatever America or Pakistan undertakes, they will exert no pressure on us. They may proceed as they deem fit, and we shall act in our interest, at the right time, doing what is correct.” This stance underscores India’s no-first-use policy and adherence to its 1998 moratorium, amid a volatile neighbourhood where it faces two nuclear adversaries.
Singh detailed Operation Sindoor-precision strikes on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He revealed that Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) made repeated calls pleading for a ceasefire, which India granted only after neutralising all targets. “We target only terrorists and their bases, not civilians,” Singh clarified, rebutting Islamabad’s accusations. He issued a stern warning: “If necessity arises, we will conduct such operations again.”
On the 2021 India-Pakistan ceasefire, Singh ruled out Trump’s involvement: “It was a bilateral agreement; no third party played a role.” He also took a swipe at Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir’s self-promoted Field Marshal rank, quipping, “He awarded himself the promotion.” Dismissing trust in Pakistan, Singh added, “Reliance on them is impossible in any matter.”
As Indo-Pak tensions simmer, Singh’s measured yet resolute words signal India’s unwavering resolve to safeguard its sovereignty in an era of nuclear brinkmanship.