Defence Minister pointed out that the nuclear option should not be resorted to by any side as the prospect of the usage of nuclear or radiological weapons goes against the basic tenets of humanity…reports Asian Lite News
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday and discussed the “deteriorating situation in Ukraine”.
Singh pointed out that the nuclear option should not be resorted to by any side as the prospect of the usage of nuclear or radiological weapons goes against the basic tenets of humanity, India’s Ministry of Defence said.
The two ministers also discussed bilateral defence cooperation during the telephone call initiated at the Russian Defence Minister’s request.
Taking to Twitter, Defence Minister Singh wrote, “Had a telephonic conversation with the Defence Minister of Russia, Mr Sergei Shoigu today. We discussed bilateral defence cooperation as well as the deteriorating situation in Ukraine.”
During the conversation, Russian Defense Minister Shoigu outlined his worries over potential provocations, including the deployment of “dirty bombs” as well as other issues.
Singh tweeted, “He briefed me on the evolving situation in Ukraine, including his concerns about possible provocations through use of ‘dirty bomb’.”
On the other hand, Defence Minister Singh reaffirmed India’s view on the necessity of pursuing the “path of diplomacy” and discussion for a speedy resolution of the crisis.
“Also pointed out that the nuclear option should not be resorted to by any side as the prospect of the usage of nuclear or radiological weapons goes against the basic tenets of humanity,” Singh tweeted.
The official statement from the defence ministry also said that both ministers had agreed to keep in touch.
The conversation came a day after a new advisory was issued for all Indian nationals living in Ukraine by the Indian embassy in Kyiv. In light of the intensifying hostilities, the government has advised its nationals to leave the country as soon as possible.
As a result of an earlier advisory, some Indian citizens have already left Ukraine. The embassy has also provided phone numbers in case assistance is needed to cross the Ukrainian border with neighbouring countries.
Putin oversees retaliatory N-strike drills
Russian President Vladimir Putin has overseen military drills enacting a retaliatory nuclear strike, a media report said.
Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu described the aim of the drills as testing “Russia’s strategic offensive forces’ readiness to conduct a massive nuclear strike in response to an enemy nuclear strike”, RT reported.
According to the Kremlin, land, sea and aviation deterrence forces took part in the maneuvers. Targets located on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia’s Far East were obliterated by the Yars intercontinental ballistic missile, fired from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Arkhangelsk Region, and the Sineva ballistic missile, launched from the Barents Sea. Tu-95 strategic bombers also took part in the exercises, RT reported.
Putin ordered the readiness level of Russia’s strategic nuclear forces to be increased in late February, days after Moscow launched its military operation in Ukraine.
In recent weeks, the US and several other Western powers have claimed that Moscow is planning to conduct a tactical nuclear strike in Ukraine — which the Kremlin has vehemently denied.
Moscow has accused Ukraine of preparing to set off a ‘dirty bomb’ to frame Russia. Defense Minister Shoigu called his colleagues in the US, the UK, and several other nations to share Moscow’s concerns, RT reported.
Ukraine has rejected the allegations as “absurd”.
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