India a Responsible Nuke State, Pak an Unstable One: US Def Secy

The US Defence Secretary also said Pakistan’s history of nuclear weapons has been “entangled in tension”. (Photo: Reuters)

India has generally shown responsible behaviour with nuclear technology while Pakistan’s history of nuclear weapons is entangled in tensions, US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter said on Tuesday.

“The landscape of nuclear weapons has changed in the last 25 years,” Carter said while speaking on the subject ‘Sustaining Nuclear Deterrence’ at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota.

He said while the US has not done much to boost its nuclear arsenal, other countries have added to it both in terms of the number of weapons and delivery options. He also praised India for showing responsible behaviour with its nuclear technology.

China also conducts itself professionally in the nuclear arena, despite growing its arsenal in both quality and quantity.

Ashton Carter

Expressing concern over nuclear technology in North Korea, he said, “It is essential that the US maintains its nuclear deterrence.”

America’s nuclear deterrence is the bedrock of our security and the highest priority mission of the Department of Defence.

North Korea’s nuclear and missile provocations underscore that a diverse and dynamic spectrum of nuclear threat still exists, Carter said. He added that Russia and North Korea are just two countries that stand out in the evolving nuclear landscape.

In Iran, their nuclear aspirations have been constrained and transparency over their activities increased by last year’s nuclear accord, which, as long as it continues to be implemented, will verifiably prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

The defence secretary said, “Pakistan’s nuclear weapons are entangled in a history of tension, and while they are not a threat to the United States directly, we work with Pakistan to ensure stability.”