At the outset, let me take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to the Hon'ble Members for the worthwhile discussion in this Hon'ble House spreading over the last two days. What we have been discussing here, as in the other House, is an issue of vital national importance. I have been benefitted by the views expressed by the Hon'ble Members.

I am emboldened by the sense of unanimity and national purpose that pervades the House. It is, I have no doubt, a fitting tribute to a great excellence shown by the scientists of the DAE, the DRDO and the Armed Forces. Particularly, our gratitude goes to all those many who in the most adverse conditions brought to successful conclusion India's endeavours in this field.

I intend to take up three broad issues
 

• Firstly, timing, security environment and threat perception;
• Secondly, concerns of United States of America; and
• Thirdly, relations with China.

In the determination of timing for our tests, the recommendation of the scientific community was also factored. In any event preparations for them had been underway for many years. These preparations could not have been left in a state of indefinite suspension, particularly as any further delay would have made our task, both technical and diplomatic, so much more complicated. Hon'ble Members would also appreciate that preparations for tests take time; what was conducted yesterday could not have been done in the time frame of a fortnight.

The Government's stand and the resolute measures taken have been entirely vindicated. I would like to assure the House that Pakistan's tests do not pose any new threat to our national security because we have been monitoring Pakistan's clandestine pursuit of its nuclear programme. We have been aware of the acquisition by them of nuclear capable aircraft as as well as missiles from other countries. Statements by Pakistani leaders, and others have been quite clear. After his first tenure in office, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, had declared in August 1994 that Pakistan possessed a nuclear bomb. Since 1990, the US Government has also been unable to certify that Pakistan does not possess a nuclear explosive device.

As the House well knows, India's programme is not country-specific. Our concerns are broader in scope. On the other hand, Pakistan's approach has always been Indo-centric. Indeed, the justification given for their tests yesterday makes that abundantly clear.

Hon'ble Members would also appreciate that in the post-Cold War period, there may have been some improvements in the security environment in West but clearly, that is not replicated in other parts of the globe. PostCold War, India's security environment has actually become more complicated with the accumulation of nuclear weapons and missiles in our neighbourhood. To this process, our response has been and will remain measured and restrained. India does not intend to re-invent the empty doctrines and cliches of the Cold War; we do not intend to join in an arms race, hostilities notwithstanding. We are committed to maintaining peace with stability in the region and beyond. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has put forward certain suggestions. With Pakistan, we have always desired to pursue the path of peace and of comprehensive and constructive dialogue.

This is a manifestation of our national confidence and strength. Our proposals for the modalities of the dialogue as also a range of proposals are with Pakistan and we await their response. Our dialogue includes peace and security issues including Confidence Building Measures. In this context let me reiterate my proposal to discuss no-first-use with Pakistan. The international community can rest assured that on our part, there is no desire to heighten tensions. While the imposition of national emergency in Pakistan is an internal matter for that country, I would like to make it abundantly clear that Pakistan faces no threat from India. 

We are disappointed that US has displayed a lack of appreciation of India's legitimate security concerns. I wish to reiterate Government's commitment to engage with all principal interlocutors in a responsible dialogue. We remain ready to discuss and explain our position. Since 11 May, Government have taken certain initiatives:
 

• A moratorium is in place which we are ready to consider and discuss converting into a de-jure commitment.
• We have volunteered to engage in negotiations on an FMCT.
• India will undertake stringent export controls on nuclear and missile related technologies as well as those relating to other weapons of mass destruction.
• We have offered to discuss a no-first-use agreement with Pakistan, as also with other countries bilaterally, or in a multilateral forum.

Concern has been expressed by some Hon'ble Members regarding China's reaction to our decision. Let me assure this House that we seek good relations with all our neighbours, including China, our largest neighbour. India and China are two of the world's largest and most populous countries. We are linked through history and geography. We believe that the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, jointly enunciated by India and China, are of continuing relevance to the development of our relations.

India, like China, is engaged in the task of economic development and realisation of the legitimate aspirations of her people. Our bilateral trade and economic cooperation has grown significantly. There is considerable potential to expand our economic and commercial cooperation.

But we have some concerns. We would like the Chinese side to appreciate that our concerns need to be addressed in a meaningful manner with a view to finding early resolution. There are issues relating to India's sovereignty, territorial integrity and security that have been reflected at various levels, including highest levels. The Indian people must feel assured that friendship with China will be a factor for peace and stability and will contribute to enhancing our security. On the boundary question, we recognise that a resolution requires time and patience. But progress can, and should, be made. Our concerns regarding China's defence cooperation with Pakistan remain. Unlike India-China relations, which have shown improvement despite the difficulties of the past, Pakistan remains unreconciled to good relations with India. Our view in regard to external military assistance to Pakistan has been consistent over the last fifty years. Given Pakistan's approach to India, assistance in the defence field to Pakistan affects India's security directly and adversely. The Chinese side should pay attention to the depth of feeling on the Indian side.

On our part, we do not seek a confrontation with China. We seek a relationship in which both sides are responsive to each other's concerns. We believe that dialogue is the key to understanding; understanding is the key to resolution of differences; and resolution of differences is the key to good relations. We remain committed to the process of dialogue to resolve outstanding differences and to the development of friendly, cooperative, good neighbourly and mutually beneficial relationship with China.

Statements by Hon'ble Members have clearly indicated a sense of solidarity in meeting any challenges to India's security with firmness and resolve. Government welcomes this expression of unity. This is the backbone of our national will. Let us ensure that the House will, in keeping with past tradition, reflect consensus on vital issues of national security.