US takes hardline posture on nuclear deterrence

However, he said, US and the rest of the world, would like it to be spelt out 8220;whether India and Pakistan will deploy weapons8211;something the international community opposes8211;or whether they will store nuclear weapons and their delivery vehicles.8221;

8220;The firm US position remains that neither India nor Pakistan should possess or deploy any nuclear weapon,8221; he said, addressing a meeting of overseas writers on foreign affairs here yesterday.

Talbott, who reported 8220;enough progress8221; in his talks with India and Pakistan recently, said that he pressed both the countries in the eighth round of negotiations, to define what they meant by their perception of 8220;minimum nuclear deterrence8221; which they want to have.

He said, 8220;We had very intensive discussions on the need for both countries to translate the phraseology they use, which is credible minimal deterrence8217;, into actual policies and doctrine.8221;

Talbott said that his latest trip to New Delhi and Islamabad had achieved 8220;enough progress8221; to warrant planning for a ninth round of talks.

Meanwhile, state department spokesman James Rubin said that the US was determined to see that India and Pakistan sign not only the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty CTBT but also the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty NPT.

Addressing a press conference, he justified the US assertion that India should define its minimal nuclear deterrence.

8220;I do not see any inconsistency in asking the Indians to define one of their own terms,8221; he said.