India is developing nuclear submarines, a key official said.
"As far as nuclear submarines are concerned, I think certainly my information is that we are engaged in research and development in that area", former foreign secretary and India's nuclear envoy Shyam Saran said.
Saran, who is the interlocutor with the US administration on the nuclear energy deal, was responding to a specific query from a member of audience at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, where he delivered the second annual Raja Ramanna lecture on Wednesday night.
Speaking on 'the evolution of India's nuclear policies in the context of changing security perceptions', the special envoy of the prime minister -- responding to Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement -- said Moscow cannot provide nuclear supplies to India unless the guidelines of the Nuclear Suppliers Group are 'adjusted'.
Putin said earlier this week that Russia will 'directly' help India in construction of atomic energy facilities.
Saran said, "We may enter into agreement for supply of some nuclear power plants but the transfer can take place only once the NSG guidelines have been adjusted."
Saran said inputs from a wide spectrum of people are being gathered to put together a 'good negotiating brief' as India gets into the negotiation of the 123 Agreement -- the conclusion of which would lead to operationalisation of the nuclear energy cooperation.
There 'will be give and take' at the negotiation of the 123 Agreement but certain principles and markers would not be compromised, he said.
Saran said India took a decision in 1983 to pursue a weapons programme -- though discreetly -- after it became apparent that not only was China improving its nuclear weapons capability but there were credible reports that this capability was being shared with Pakistan.
"Failure to do so (decision on pursuing a nuclear weapons programme in 1983) may have resulted in India's permanent strategic inferiority," he remarked.
On the nuclear deal with the US, Saran asserted that India's sovereignty has not been compromised.
"We have not accepted any kind of limitations on our strategic programme," he repeatedly said. "We are free to continue our strategic programme."
Saran also said India has not given any fresh commitment with respect to any limitations, including nuclear testing.
