India has capability to make 2600 nuclear weapons: Pakistan
Pakistan has claimed that India is building its nuclear capability at a rapid pace and also raised questions over New Delhi's bid for a seat in the NSG.
In Short
- India rapidly adding to its nuclear capability, says Pakistan.
- India has capability to produce 2600 nuclear weapons, a top Pakistan official said.
- Islamabad also raises concern over New Delhi's NSG bid.
Amid heightened tension between the two neighbouring nations in the wake of the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, Pakistan has said that India is capable of producing 2600 nuclear weapons.
Claiming the India has the fastest growing nuclear programme in the world, Pakistan foreign office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria told reporters in Islamabad that India's nuclear aspirations pose a threat to strategic stability in the south Asian region.
"Pakistan has been underscoring the risk of diversion by India to imported nuclear fuel, equipment and technology received pursuant to civil nuclear accord and 2008 energy waiver by Nuclear Suppliers Group," Radio Pakistan quoted Zakaria, as saying.
The top Pakistan official also raised concerns over India's bid for a permanent membership at the NSG, saying the world community should check the risks involved in allowing New Delhi a seat in the elite group.
'INDIA RETHINKING NO FIRST USE NUCLEAR POLICY'
Pakistan's statement regarding India enhancing its nuclear capability has come just days after reports suggested that New Delhi may be rethinking its nuclear doctrine.
India may abandon its 'no first use' nuclear policy and launch a preemptive strike against Pakistan if it feared that Islamabad was likely to use the weapons first, a top nuclear expert on South Asia has claimed.
"There is increasing evidence that India will not allow Pakistan to go first," Vipin Narang, an expert on South Asian nuclear strategy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, had said.
He also pointed out that India's preemptive strike may not be conventional strikes and would also be aimed at Pakistan's missiles launchers for tactical battlefield nuclear warheads.
ALSO READ:
India may abandon its no first use nuclear policy: Expert
India building secret nuclear city, claims Pakistan
Pakistan's new nuke threat: Why India has to worry
By testing missile with 10 nuclear warheads, is China preparing for a military showdown with US? WATCH: Pakistan defence minister threatens India, says "we'll use special bombs"