Natwar Singh for concensus on CTBT

GURGAON, Sept 24: Former Foreign Minister Kanwar Natwar Singh has called for a national consensus on the issue of signing the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty CTBT. He was talking to news persons here on his way back to Delhi from Bharatpur in Rajasthan.

Singh blamed the BJP led Central government for their 8220;inability8221; to effectively explain the reason behind the Pokharan nuclear explosion to the world. He said that by harping upon the 8220;threat from Pakistan and China8221; the Vajpayee government had sent wrong signals abroad.

8220;When France and China had conducted nuclear tests, they termed it as a test of their nuclear technology and expertise. Why should we resort to the threat from neighbouring countries8217; alibi ? This has certainly dissuaded foreign investors from coming here as they view India in that perspective only,8221; Singh said.