Illicit nuclear activities are a long-standing practice of Pakistan… The Indian government’s first statement on Trump’s claim

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) held a press conference on Friday, stating that Pakistan’s clandestine nuclear activities are consistent with its history. The Ministry also provided updates regarding the Indian nationals detained in Afghanistan and Abu Dhabi. MEA official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s long-standing concern about Pakistan’s clandestine and illegal nuclear activities.

Randhir Jaiswal said, “Pakistan’s clandestine and illegal nuclear activities are consistent with its long-standing history, which is based on decades of smuggling, export control violations, secret partnerships, the A.Q. Khan network, and the further spread of nuclear proliferation. India has consistently drawn the world’s attention to these aspects of Pakistan’s record.”

The MEA also confirmed that India has taken note of President Trump’s remarks regarding Pakistan’s nuclear tests, which are based on this background. Regarding Afghanistan, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson referred to the recent visit of the Afghan Foreign Minister to India and the subsequent telephone conversation between the Foreign Ministers of the two countries. He stated that decisions are being taken regarding the functioning of the Indian Embassy (formerly the Technical Mission) in Kabul.

He stated, “As far as the operation and upgrading of our own Embassy, ​​our Technical Mission in Kabul, is concerned, we informed you that it has been upgraded to an Embassy, ​​and now we are considering how to approach its functionalities, functions, responsibilities, and how to increase its staff strength. These matters are under consideration and will be addressed later.”

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the matter concerning Major Vikrant Jetley (Retd.), an Indian national detained in Abu Dhabi, is under its cognizance. Officials from the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi have granted him consular access four times and are meeting with him regularly. The Embassy is also in touch with his family and his wife and is providing all possible assistance as directed by the Delhi High Court.