BJP cautions Centre over deterrence in N-deal

Rajnath Singh says India-specific safeguards should be the corner-stone of civil nuclear deal.

The BJP on Friday said India must retain its right to revise its deterrence policy as the US Senate passed a legislation on New Delhi's nuclear deal with Washington.

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"India is not facing a very conducive security scenario in the region. India must have a sovereign right on its nuclear deterrent capability and right to revise it in its own national security interests," BJP chief Rajnath Singh said.

India-specific safeguards, he said, should be the corner-stone of the deal.

"Our nuclear autonomy should not come under the umbrella of any other country. This is a matter of prime concern for the BJP," Singh said.

He maintained that the government must make these aspects clear to the country before moving ahead with the pact.

"The stated concerns of India as assured by the prime minister in Parliament must be protected and safeguarded," the BJP chief said.