Rajnath Singh reacts to Trump’s explosive claim on nuclear tests by Pakistan: ‘Won’t take any step out of fear…’

Rajnath Singh

Responding to US President Donald Trump’s claim that several countries -- including Pakistan, Russia, China and North Korea -- are secretly testing nuclear weapons, defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday that they can go ahead if they choose to, adding that India’s response will unfold in the future.

“Let them do it if they want to. Only the future will tell what India will do, we have nothing to say in this regard. Whether it's Pakistan or America, whoever wants to do it, is doing it. India does not take any step out of fear or pressure,” he said in conversation with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi.

“We will take whatever action India deems appropriate. We will take the right action at the right time,” he added.

Earlier, Trump, in an interview, alleged that countries from Russia to China and Pakistan have conducted underground nuclear tests unknown to the public and that the United States of America would follow suit. "Russia's testing, and China's testing, but they don't talk about it," he told CBS's "60 Minutes" programme.

“We're gonna test, because they test and others test. And certainly North Korea's been testing. Pakistan's been testing.”

Pakistan and China, however, have dismissed the explosive claim made by the US President. A senior Pakistani security official told CBS News that "Pakistan was not the first to carry out nuclear tests and will not be the first to resume nuclear tests."

In a statement, Beijing's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, “China has always adhered to the path of peaceful development, pursued a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons, upheld a self-defence nuclear strategy and abided by its commitment to suspend nuclear testing.”

Earlier, Trump announced plans to resume nuclear weapons testing after over 30 years, citing alleged tests by Russia, China, Pakistan, and North Korea. He said the US “cannot be the only country that doesn’t test” and directed the Pentagon to begin preparations immediately to maintain nuclear parity.