India

Re “Nukes Are the Last Things India Needs,” editorial, Sept. 24: We could not agree more and in fact, after the tests of May 1998, we are committed to a moratorium on further testing.

In view of the international reaction to the tests, the government of India made public a draft document on nuclear doctrine to provoke the widest discussions on this crucial issue so as to evolve a national consensus. The draft does not pose a threat to any country but reflects the security concerns of a country that is committed to no first use, in tune with its long-standing adherence to general and comprehensive disarmament.

With an electorate of 600 million it is natural that the pressing issues of tackling poverty take precedence. The aftereffects of the costly military action on Pakistan’s aggression in Kargil are also a major concern. Despite the betrayal of the triad of agreements signed at Lahore, there is a recognition that a meaningful dialogue with Pakistan is needed to build peace. The only essential ingredient for recommencing the dialogue is an abjuring of violence and cross-border terrorism. We need to see evidence of this on the ground and a respect for the sanctity of the line of control, which was violated at Kargil.

D.K. MALLIK

Deputy Consul General of India

San Francisco