Rajnath Singh asserts India’s preparedness after Donald Trump’s claims of Pakistan conducting secret nuclear tests, reaffirming India’s nuclear stance.
Key Points
- Rajnath Singh stated India is prepared for any eventuality amid Trump’s Pakistan nuclear test allegations.
- The MEA condemned Pakistan’s alleged secret nuclear activities, referencing the A.Q. Khan network.
- Pakistan denied all allegations and reaffirmed its unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing.
- India’s nuclear doctrine emphasizes credible minimum deterrence and no-first-use policy.
- The situation underscores rising regional tensions and India’s strategic caution.
TheInterviewTimes.com | New Delhi | November 9, 2025 — In a strong and measured response to former US President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks, Rajnath Singh asserted that India is fully prepared for any eventuality following allegations of secret nuclear testing by Pakistan. Trump’s statement has reignited global attention on South Asia’s fragile nuclear balance, prompting official reactions from both New Delhi and Islamabad.
During a high-profile interview on CBS’s 60 Minutes on November 2, Trump alleged that Pakistan, along with Russia, China, and North Korea, has been covertly conducting underground nuclear tests. “Pakistan’s been testing. They don’t tell anyone. They test way underground, where people don’t know what’s happening,” Trump said, hinting at a potential resumption of US nuclear tests after three decades.
Rajnath Singh’s Response: Prepared, Not Provoked
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh responded with calm firmness. Speaking to Hindustan Times on November 8, he said, “Those who want to test, let them; how can we stop them? Whatever happens, we are prepared for any eventuality.” When asked whether India would respond with its own tests, Rajnath Singh remarked, “Let’s first see if they do it,” underscoring India’s principle of restraint combined with preparedness.
This response aligns with India’s long-held nuclear doctrine — a balance between strategic patience and readiness. Singh further reiterated that India’s national security will never be compromised by external provocations, stating, “India will not take any step out of fear or pressure. We will take the right action at the right time.”
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MEA Condemns Pakistan’s “Clandestine” Nuclear Activities
Backing Singh’s position, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned Pakistan’s alleged “clandestine and illegal nuclear activities.” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal referred to Pakistan’s “notorious record of smuggling and proliferation,” recalling the infamous A.Q. Khan network, which supplied nuclear technology to several countries in violation of global non-proliferation norms.
“India has taken note of President Trump’s comments,” Jaiswal said, adding that New Delhi continues to monitor Pakistan’s nuclear developments closely. The statement reinforces Rajnath Singh’s assertion that India’s vigilance and preparedness remain unwavering.
Pakistan’s Rebuttal and the Nuclear Moratorium
Pakistan has flatly denied the accusations. A senior Pakistani official told CBS News that “Pakistan was not the first to carry out nuclear tests and will not be the first to resume them.” Islamabad continues to uphold its unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing, despite not signing the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
Both India and Pakistan last conducted nuclear tests in 1998 — India’s Pokhran-II on May 11 and 13, followed by Pakistan’s Chagai-I and Chagai-II tests later that month. Since then, both nations have refrained from testing, maintaining a delicate deterrent balance.
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India’s Nuclear Doctrine and Strategic Autonomy
India’s nuclear policy, shaped by the principle of credible minimum deterrence and a no-first-use pledge, underlines restraint without compromising security. Under this doctrine, India promises not to initiate a nuclear strike but maintains the capability for a decisive retaliatory response.
Rajnath Singh has consistently emphasized that India’s strategic decisions will remain sovereign. “India will not take any step out of fear or pressure,” he stated in another interview with News18, signaling that India’s nuclear policy will continue to be guided by national interest rather than external speculation.
Global and Regional Reactions
The international community is watching developments in South Asia closely. While there is no independent verification of Trump’s claim about Pakistan’s alleged nuclear tests, the rhetoric adds new strain to regional stability. Experts suggest that such statements can disrupt fragile diplomatic balances and increase the risk of miscalculation between nuclear neighbors.
For now, Rajnath Singh’s message is clear: India will not be drawn into unnecessary escalation but remains fully prepared for any scenario. This posture of “strategic calm with readiness” defines India’s modern defense approach amid volatile regional geopolitics.
Conclusion
As speculation continues, India’s stance — articulated by Rajnath Singh and supported by the MEA — projects confidence and strategic composure. With no confirmed evidence of Pakistan’s nuclear testing, the focus remains on maintaining peace, deterrence, and diplomatic communication in South Asia. India’s preparedness, coupled with its commitment to responsible nuclear conduct, reinforces its position as a mature and stabilizing power in the global nuclear order.