Shiv S. Mukherjee 
Minister (Press, Information & Culture) 
Embassy of India 
(202) 939-7042  

We are in the knowledge of Pakistan having conducted one more nuclear test today.
 The development was expected. Facts are being ascertained. Government's stand
 has been made clear by Prime Minister in Parliament yesterday. As is well known,
 India is already observing a voluntary moratorium. Pakistan has sought to justify the
 nuclear tests by projecting an alleged threat from India. As Prime Minister has
 already stated, India does not pose a threat to Pakistan. The Prime Minister also
 reiterated the offer to hold discussions with Pakistan on a no-first-use agreement
 reflecting our desire to maintain peace and stability in the region. Government is
 watching the situation carefully. Government remains fully prepared to deal firmly
 and effectively with any threat to India's national security. 

 New Delhi,
 May 30, 1998