Describing India's non-proliferation record as "solid", the United States has asked all nuclear-capable states to exercise restraint regarding their atomic capabilities.
"India has a solid non-proliferation record. They're engaged with the international community on non-proliferation issues. And Prime Minister (Manmohan) Singh has attended both of the nuclear security summits, the one in Washington and then Seoul," US state department spokesperson Mark Toner said on Wednesday evening ahead of the launch of Agni V missile by India.
"We urge all nuclear-capable states to exercise restraint regarding nuclear capabilities. That said, you know, India has a solid nonproliferation record," Toner said.
"So you wouldn't have any specific concerns on it as a destabilising factor in the region?" he was asked again.
"I'll just stay with, you know, the fact that we always caution all nuclear-capable states to exercise restraint," Toner responded.
"We have got a very strong strategic and security partnership with India. So we obviously have routine discussions about a wide range of topics, including their defence requirements. I'm not aware that we've specifically raised this issue with them," he said.
"...I just would say that we urge all nuclear-capable states to exercise restraint regarding nuclear capabilities," the state department spokesman said.
