National Security chief, Narayanan says Pakistani nuke arsenal “largely safe”
17 Dec 2007
New Delhi: India’s National Security Advisor (NSA), MK Narayanan, has said that nuclear weapons in Pakistan are "pretty safely guarded" and that the US was paying "very close attention" to the issue. Recent turmoil in Pakistan has sparked concerns in security establishments around the world about the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.
Narayanan also said that if Pakistani nuclear weapons fell into radical hands, the government of India would deploy contingency plans that are in place.
"It is extremely difficult for any outside element just walking away with a readymade nuclear device," Narayanan told a private TV programme.
Emphasising the fact that it was not easy for someone to operate a nuclear device, he said, "I would therefore say it (Pakistani nuclear arsenal) is relatively safe or I would say it is largely safe."
Fears of nuclear weapons falling in the hands of radicals have "activated" the American government to pay "very close attention" to the matter, Narayanan said. "... they are quite satisfied with the checks and balances which are adequate," he said.
