No talks with China, Pak on nuclear doctrine: Govt

India has held no discussion so far with China or Pakistan on a common nuclear doctrine even though Islamabad has described the idea recently floated by External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh as "innovative," the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

"Pakistani official spokesman described the idea as contained in the external affairs minister's media statement on June 1 as innovative and requiring further and deeper examination," Minister of State for External Affairs Inderjit Singh said during Question Hour.

He said China, in response to a query, reiterated its position on "complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons."

To a related question, Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahmed said India and Pakistan, at their expert-level meeting on nuclear confidence-building measures in June, had decided to implement CBMs on communication links and conclude an agreement with technical parameters on pre-notification

of testing of missiles.

The two sides had also made a joint call for starting working-level discussions with other nuclear powers.

He said India and Pakistan also agreed that the existing hotline between the directors general of military operations would be upgraded, dedicated and secured.
 
Besides this, a dedicated hotline will be established between the two foreign secretaries to prevent misunderstandings and reduce risks relevant to nuclear issues.