Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday said that instead of saying ‘India won’t use nuclear weapons first’, it should be said that ‘India is responsible nuclear power’. The Defence Minister made the comments in a conversation with news channel India Today Television. While he clarified that the statement doesn’t mean ‘India must use nukes’.

Speaking on the issue, Parrikar said: “If written down strategy exists or you take a stand on a nuclear aspect,I think you’re actually giving away ur strength in nuclear. People say India has not first used nuclear concept.I should say that I’m a responsible nuclear power&I’ll not use it irresponsibly” Parrikar said.

Clarifying that this is ‘his’ policy, Parrikar said: “This is my thinking. Some may say that Parrikar says nuclear doctrine has changed, it has not changed in any Govt policy.”

However, Defence Ministry quickly issued a statement and said that Parrikar’s comments are personal and don’t necessarily represent Government’s view.

Days ago, Pakistan’s defence minister Khwaja Asif had threatened to use nuclear weapons against India. “If Pakistan’s security is threatened, we will not hesitate in using tactical (nuclear) weapons.” When the interviewer pointedly asked if he is suggesting the use of nuclear weapons, Asif said, “If our country is under threat, then what is to be afraid of.” Claiming that Pakistan is ahead of India in tactical capabilities, the Pakistani minister, however, said he doesn’t believe there is a possibility of war with India.