Suo Motu Statement by Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari
Vajpayee in Parliament
on 27th May, 1998
Sir,
I rise to inform the House of momentous developments that have taken
place while we were in recess. On 11 May, India successfully carried out
three underground nuclear tests. Two more underground tests on 13 May completed
the planned series of tests. I would like this House to join me in paying
fulsome tribute to our scientists, engineers and defence personnel whose
singular achievements have given us a renewed sense of national pride and
self-confidence. Sir, in addition to the statement I make, I have also
taken the opportunity to submit to the House a paper entitled "Evolution
of India's Nuclear Policy."
2. In 1947, when India emerged as a free country to take its rightful
place in the comity of nations, the nuclear age had already dawned. Our
leaders then took the crucial decision to opt for self-reliance, and freedom
of thought and action. We rejected the Cold War paradigm and chose the
more difficult path of non-alignment. Our leaders also realised that a
nuclear-weapon-free-world would enhance not only India's security but also
the security of all nations. That is why disarmament was and continues
to be a major plank in our foreign policy.
3. During the 50's India took the lead in calling for an end to all
nuclear weapon testing. Addressing the Lok Sabha on 2 April, 1954, Pt.
Jawaharlal, to whose memory we pay homage today, stated "nuclear,
chemical and biological energy and power should not be used to forge weapons
of mass destruction". He called for negotiations for prohibition and
elimination of nuclear weapons and in the interim, a standstill agreement
to halt nuclear testing. This call was not heeded.
4. In 1965, along with a small group of non-aligned countries, India
put forward the idea of an international non-proliferation agreement under
which the nuclear weapon states would agree to give up their arsenals provided
other countries refrained from developing or acquiring such weapons. This
balance of rights and obligations was not accepted. In the 60's our security
concerns deepened. The country sought security guarantees but the countries
we turned to were unable to extend to us the expected assurances. As a
result, we made it clear that we would not be able to sign the NPT.
5. The Lok Sabha debated the issue on 5 April, 1968. Prime Minister
late Smt. Indira Gandhi assured the House that "we shall be guided
entirely by our self-enlightenment and the considerations of national security".
This was a turning point and this House strengthened the decision of the
then Government by reflecting a national consensus.
6. Our decision not to sign the NPT was in keeping with our basic objectives.
In 1974, we demonstrated our nuclear capability. Successive Governments
thereafter have taken all necessary steps in keeping with that resolve
and national will, to safeguard India's nuclear option. This was the primary
reason behind the 1996 decision for not signing the CTBT, a decision that
also enjoyed consensus of this House.
7. The decades of the 80's and 90's had meanwhile witnessed the gradual
deterioration of our security environment as a result of nuclear and missile
proliferation. In our neighbourhood, nuclear weapons had increased and
more sophisticated delivery systems inducted. In addition, India has also
been the victim of externally aided and abetted terrorism, militancy and
clandestine war.
8. At a global level, we see no evidence on the part of the nuclear
weapon states to take decisive and irreversible steps in moving towards
a nuclear-weapon-free-world. Instead, we have seen that the NPT has been
extended indefinitely and unconditionally, perpetuating the existence of
nuclear weapons in the hands of the five countries.
9. Under such circumstances, the Government was faced with a difficult
decision. The touchstone that has guided us in making the correct choice
clear was national security. These tests are a continuation of the policies
set into motion that put this country on the path of self-reliance and
independence of thought and action.
10. India is now a nuclear weapon state. This is a reality that cannot
be denied. It is not a conferment that we seek; nor is it a status for
others to grant. It is an endowment to the nation by our scientists and
engineers. It is India's due, the right of one-sixth of human-kind. Our
strengthened capability adds to our sense of responsibility. We do not
intend to use these weapons for aggression or for mounting threats against
any country; these are weapons of self-defence, to ensure that India is
not subjected to nuclear threats or coercion. We do not intend to engage
in an arms race.
11. We had taken a number of initiatives in the past. We regret that
these proposals did not receive a positive response from other nuclear
weapon states. In fact, had their response been positive, we need not have
gone in for our current testing programme. We have been and will continue
to be in the forefront of the calls for opening negotiations for a Nuclear
Weapons Convention, so that this challenge can be dealt with in the same
manner that we have dealt with the scourge of two other weapons of mass
destruction-through the Biological Weapons Convention and Chemical Weapons
Convention.
12. Traditionally, India has been an outward looking country. Our strong
commitment of multilateralism is reflected in our active participation
in organisations like the United Nations. This engagement will continue.
The policies of economic liberalisation introduced in recent years have
increased our regional and global linkages and my Government intends to
deepen and strengthen these ties.
13. Our nuclear policy has been marked by restraint and openness. We
have not violated any international agreement either in 1974 or now, in
1998. The restraint exercised for 24 years, after having demonstrated our
capability in 1974, is in itself a unique example. Restraint, however,
has to arise from strength. It cannot be based upon indecision or doubt.
The series of tests recently undertaken by India have led to the removal
of doubts. The action involved was balanced in that it was the minimum
necessary to maintain what is an irreducible component of our national
security calculus.
14. Subsequently, Government has already announced that India will now
observe a voluntary moratorium and refrain from conducting underground
nuclear test explosions. We have also indicated willingness to move towards
a de-jure formalisation of this declaration.
15. The House is no doubt aware of the different reactions that have
emanated from the people of India and from different parts of the world.
The overwhelming support of our citizens is our source of strength. It
tells us not only that this decision was right but also that our country
wants a focussed leadership, which attends to their security needs. This,
I pledge to do as a sacred duty. We have also been greatly heartened by
the outpouring of support from Indians abroad. They have, with one voice,
spoken in favour of our action. To the people of India, and to Indians
abroad, I convey my profound gratitude. We look to the people of India
and Indians abroad for support in the difficult period ahead.
16. In this, the fiftieth year of our independence, we stand at a defining
moment in our history. The rationale for the Government's decision is based
on the same policy tenets that have guided us for five decades. These policies
have been sustained successfully because of an underlying national consensus.
It is vital to maintain the consensus we approach the next millennium.
In my statement today and in the paper placed before the House, I have
elaborated on the rationale behind the Government's decision and outlined
our approach for the future. The present decision and future action will
continue to reflect a commitment to sensibilities and obligations of an
ancient civilisation, a sense of responsibility and restraint, but a restraint
born of the assurance of action, not of doubts or apprehension. Avoiding
triumphalism, let us work together towards our shared objective in ensuring
that as we move towards a new millenium, India will take its rightful place
in the international community.
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