Why Bind Ourselves to 'No First Use Policy': Parrikar on India's Nuclear Policy

Defence minister Manohar Parrikar. Credit: PTI

New Delhi: Defence minister Manohar Parrikar today wondered why India cannot say, "we are a responsible nuclear power and I will not use it irresponsibly" instead of affirming a "no first use policy". He clarified that these remarks were personal in nature.

"Why should I bind myself? I should say I am a responsible nuclear power and I will not use it irresponsibly. This is my [personal] thinking," Parrikar said replying to a question as he explained the need to be unpredictable in the realm of warfare strategy.

Following the nuclear weapons test in 1998, India declared its adherence to a  'no first use' nuclear policy.

Taking a dig at the media, Parrikar said the government will publish a statement saying that the nuclear policy has changed.

"It has not changed in government. It is my concept. As an individual I also get [the] feeling. I am not saying you have to use it first. Hoax can be called off," he said, adding that prior to the surgical strike, Pakistan's defence minister used to threaten India with the possible use of tactical nuclear weapons.

"From the day surgical strike happened, no threat has come. They realised that we can do something which is not well defined," he said.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.