Natwar?s n-idea has roots in disarmament plan

Natwar Singh?s idea of a common nuclear doctrine for India, China and Pakistan isn?t a half-baked idea, and can be traced to Rajiv Gandhi?s plan for complete nuclear disarmament.

Contrary to insinuations in certain quarters, External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh’s idea of a common nuclear doctrine for India, China and Pakistan isn’t a half-baked idea. The concept has its genesis in Rajiv Gandhi’s action plan for complete nuclear disarmament.

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“The plan has been brought up-to-date (by Singh’s Cabinet colleague Mani Shankar Aiyar) and remains a valid document. Within this vision, it is logical that common doctrines which aim ultimately towards a nuclear-free world should at least be discussed with all our interlocutors,” an official source said.

Mooted at the UN General Assembly on June 9, 1988, the RG Plan aimed at a binding commitment by all nations to eliminate nuclear weapons in stages within a practical and realistic time-frame. It said: “Changes are required in doctrines, policies and institutions to sustain a world free of nuclear weapons.”

Singh spoke of the need for a common doctrine at his first press conference after assuming charge. Some of the comments he made in the course of the interaction marked by witty remarks and deep insights into protracted international disputes, were in the nature of sharing perceptions on key issues on which policies might evolve following discussions in the Cabinet.

A source said Singh’s remarks were a reaffirmation of the consistent Indian support for a nuclear-free world. “Serious matters relating to national security should not be trivialised,” he said, adding: “The government consists of experienced leaders who would naturally give full consideration to all aspects of a proposal when it is formally made and discussed with the National Security Advisor.” Alluding to BJP leader Jaswant Singh’s remark making light of the common doctrine idea, sources said even Islamabad has underscored deeper examination of the “new and innovative” proposal.

“Personal attacks on ministers won’t be responded to. Nor will anyone indulge in the not-so-engaging linguistic bombast and incoherence of self-appointed foreign policy pundits,” an official said. Officials sought media cooperation in treating vital foreign policy matters with the seriousness they deserved. The sources said the Congress-led government didn’t believe in N-apartheid. “There are no first or second-class nuclear powers. India is for total elimination of nuclear weapons from the face of earth.”