Nuke Shouldn’t Be Resorted By Any Side: Rajnath Tells Russian Counterpart

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a phonic conversation with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu on Wednesday.

In the conversation, both leaders discussed bilateral defence cooperation and the deteriorating Ukraine situation. Shoigu briefed Rajnath Singh on the evolving situation in Ukraine, including his concerns about possible provocations through the use of a “dirty bomb,” according to the defence ministry statement. 

The statement said that Singh once again reiterated India's position on the need to pursue the path of dialogue and diplomacy for an early resolution of the conflict and pointed out that the nuclear option should not be resorted to by any side as the prospect of the usage of nuclear or radiological weapons goes against the basic tenets of humanity.

Earlier, Reuters reported that Shoigu has held many phone calls since Sunday on the same topic with NATO defence ministers. Ukraine and its Western allies have rejected Russia's allegation that Kyiv is preparing to use a radioactive "dirty bomb" and voiced concern that Moscow is using that as a pretext for a further escalation in the war.