The Congress and the CPI(M) on Friday criticised Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar over his remark on nuclear weapons’ use policy, saying it has serious implications for India’s security and its standing in international ties. “You have a motormouth Defence Minister who is irresponsible in every manner,” Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma said.
Sharma was responding to a question when asked to comment on Parriakar’s remarks that India should not adhere to no first use of nuclear weapons.
In a statement, CPI(M) polit bureau said that Parrikar’s statement is “completely untenable” and said if he wishes to air personal views, he may do so after resigning from the Union Cabinet.
Parrikar had on Thursday 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”, remarks he said were personal in nature. “The Defence Minister’s statement clearly indicates this Government is negating India’s established stand on use of nuclear weapons in war. It jeopardises India’s security concerns by undermining the declared good neighbourly relations approach,” the CPI(M) said.
“Further it undermines India’s efforts for membership of international bodies like the UN Security Council and Nuclear Suppliers Group,” it added. The party also demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify his government’s commitment to India’s long standing position of universal nuclear disarmament and the non-use of nuclear weapons in war.