India may change 'No First Use' nuclear policy: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has tipped off that India could change its ‘No First Use’ nuclear policy.

In a visit to Rajasthan’s Pokhran on August 16, Singh told news agency ANI, “Till today, our nuclear policy is 'No First Use'. What happens in the future depends on circumstances.”

Later, he took to Twitter and posted, "Pokhran is the area which witnessed Atal Ji's firm resolve to make India a nuclear power and yet remain firmly committed to the doctrine of 'No First Use'. India has strictly adhered to this doctrine. What happens in future depends on the circumstances."

Singh was in Rajasthan to attend the concluding ceremony of the 5th International Army Scout Masters Competition in Jaisalmer. After concluding his address in the event, Singh visited Pokhran to offer tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his first death anniversary.

Pokhran is the place where India carried out nuclear tests in 1998 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister.

He further tweeted, "India attaining the status of a responsible nuclear nation became a matter of national pride for every citizen of this country. The nation will remain indebted to the greatness of  Atal Ji."

Earlier, in his address on the occasion of International Army Scout Masters Competition, Singh exuded confidence that the cooperation between India, Russia, China and other countries of Central Asia will strengthen in the coming days and they will be able to face global threats with mutual support.

Teams from Russia, China, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Sudan and Uzbekistan and India participated in the competition.