New Delhi, March 16
External Affairs Minister SM Krishna today said India would stick to the “no-first- use” nuclear doctrine. It will also remain committed to its policy of maintaining a minimum credible nuclear deterrent.“India would pursue its policy of universal and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament,” Krishna told the Lok Sabha.

On Pakistan, the minister said though the government was engaging in a dialogue with the neighbour to reduce the trust deficit and resolve outstanding issues in a spirit of openness, it had never abandoned its concerns on the need to eliminate cross-border terrorism.

“The countries that have allowed terror camps to be set up in their territory are now deeply regretting having done so. Our immediate neighbour has an explosion every other day and people are dying in suicide attacks,” Krishna said. 
“We are building the Parliament building in Afghanistan. We are aiding several developmental projects in that country and people there are appreciating our efforts. We know some countries don’t like our presence there. That is why our Embassy in Kabul has been a repeated target of attacks. But we will stay on till the Government of Afghanistan wants us to,” Krishna said.

The government is also working with Sri Lanka to put in place more effective measures to prevent the use of violence against Indian fishermen by getting the fishermen’s associations on both sides to engage and build an atmosphere of trust.

The minister also allayed the concerns voiced by the House on India’s US policy, saying the country was engaging with the US as an equal. Admitting China’s hyperactive movement along the Sino-Indian border, Krishna said India was building 3429 kilometres of roads in that area.