New Delhi: In comments that will trigger a debate, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Thursday that in his personal view India's nuclear doctrine should also have an element of unpredictability.
Speaking his mind on India's no first use policy on nuclear weapons, Parrikar said, “People say India has not first used nuclear concept. I should say that I'm a responsible nuclear power and I will not use it irresponsibly.”
“If written down strategy exists or you take a stand on a nuclear aspect, I think you're actually giving away your strength in nuclear,” he added.
Stressing that these are his personal views, the Defence Minister said, “This is my thinking. Some may say that Parrikar says nuclear doctrine has changed; it has not changed in any government policy.”
“Be 'unpredictable' is part of the strategy. But we have to have a written book so that in general, we follow that direction...Necessarily if there is any question or danger to the country, I will not open the book first,” Parrikar said.
Apparently taking a dig at Pakistan's threat of using tactical nuclear weapons against India, Parrikar said, “Used to get threat from defence minister from neighbouring country that they are going to use tactical nuclear weapons if they're threatened.”
“The day surgical strikes happened, no threat has come again (sic),” he said.
Parrikar also spoke on Modi government's decision to scrap Rs 500/1000 notes.
“Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes may have an impact on elections, lot of politicians are already worrying,” he said.
