ASSEMBLY POLL '98
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ELECTIONS '98
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India refuses to quantify nuclear deterrent need

India today firmly rejected the American suggestion to specify its credible minimum nuclear deterrent requirement.

But the two sides reported 'significant progress' at the eighth round of talks on non-proliferation and disarmament.

The Indian stand, that the deterrent required cannot be quantified, was conveyed by External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh to Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott at a four-hour meeting in New Delhi.

The two sides will meet again tomorrow to continue talks on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, export controls, Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, and India's defence posture.

Both sides preferred to remain tight-lipped after today's talks, but official sources said the Americans did not raise the issue of the attacks on Christians in India, much to New Delhi's relief.

Talbott conveyed President Bill Clinton's desire to put ties between the two countries on a "much stronger footing".

After today's meeting, Singh told reporters that the two sides had "positive and very fruitful" discussions. But he said he would be in a position to say something more substantial tomorrow. Talbott agreed.

UNI

EARLIER REPORT:
Relations with India must be much stronger: US

The Pokhran tests and after

The Christian attacks row

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