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India developing nuclear submarines

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

New Delhi, Jan 25, IRNA
India-Nuclear-Submarines
India is developing nuclear submarines, a key official said.

"As far as nuclear submarines are concerned, I think certainly my information is that we are engaged in research and development in that area," former foreign secretary and India's nuclear envoy, Shyam Saran, said.

Saran, who is India's interlocutor with the US Administration on the nuclear energy deal, was responding to a specific query from a member of the audience at the National Institute of Advanced Studies in Bangalore where he delivered the second annual Raja Ramanna lecture last night, PTI reported here today.

Speaking on the topic "Evolution of India's Nuclear Policies in the Context of Changing Security Perceptions," the special envoy of the prime minister, commenting on Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement, said Moscow cannot provide nuclear supplies to India unless the guidelines of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) are "adjusted."

Putin said earlier this week that Russia will "directly" help India in construction of atomic energy facilities.

Saran said: "We may enter into agreement for supply of some nuclear power plants but the transfer can take place only once the NSG guidelines have been adjusted."

Saran said inputs from a wide spectrum of people are being gathered to put together a good negotiating brief as India gets into the negotiation on the 123 agreement the conclusion of which would lead to operationalization of the Nuclear Energy Cooperation.

There will be give and take at the negotiation of the 123 agreement but certain principles and markers would not be compromised, he said.

Saran said India took a decision in 1983 to pursue a weapons program, although discreetly, after it became apparent that not only was China improving its nuclear weapons capability but that there were credible reports that this capability was being shared with Pakistan.

Failure to do so (decision on pursuing a nuclear weapons program in 1983) may result in India's permanent strategic inferiority, he remarked.

On the nuclear deal with the US, Saran asserted that India's sovereignty has not been compromised.

"We have not accepted any kind of limitations on our strategic programme," he repeatedly said. "We are free to free to continue our strategic programme."

Saran also said India has not given any fresh commitment with respect to any limitations, including nuclear testing.

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