Army chief culls nuclear fears; says weapons are not for war

New Delhi, Jan 16: With the augmenting of the nuclear arsenal of Pakistan and China causing jitters in India, Indian Army chief General VK Singh chose to put aside fears saying that there is no threat of a nuclear war and added that such weapons have a "strategic significance".

Singh commented, "Nuclear weapons are not for war fighting. Let's be quite clear on it. They've got a strategic significance and that's where it should end. Me and my army are not bothered about who has nuclear weapons. We have our task cut out and we will progress along that."

He was speaking on the sidelines of the Army Day parade and was replying to questions on nuclear postures and arsenals of Pakistan and China.

India's stand on nuclear issue is quite clear and maintains a credible minimum deterrence and an added nuclear doctrine that states a no first use as a matter of policy.

Singh's statement comes a day ahead of India hosting a high level meet of officials of the Nuclear Security Summit. This summit will focus on matters relating to nuclear terrorism and the safety of atomic materials and facilities.

OneIndia News