Team Herald
PANJIM: Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik on Friday said that Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar should resign as he has raised questions on the India’s nuclear policy.
“Defence Minister of India has raised a question on India’s nuclear policy of ‘No First Use’ by making a statement, which he gave without any application of mind. Parrikar has no right to remain as Defence Minister, when he has made a U-turn in the matter of using nuclear power, when India is negotiating sensitive matters connected with treaties and agreements,” Naik said.
“Defence Minister has been quoted saying that it was his personal opinion that having a stated policy on the use of nuclear weapons would be tantamount to giving away ‘strength’. He asked why India shouldn’t simply say it wouldn’t use its nuclear capabilities irresponsibly, instead of committing to a ‘no first-use policy’,” he added
Parrikar in his statement said, “If a written-down strategy exists or you take a stand on a nuclear aspect, I think you’re actually giving away your strength in nuclear. Why should I bind myself? I should say I am a responsible nuclear power and I will not use it irresponsibly.”
Parrikar later clarified that this was his own opinion, and that government policy hadn’t changed. “This is my thinking. Some may say that Parrikar says nuclear doctrine has changed. It has not changed in any government policy,” he explained.
