nuclear-news

A day after India criticised Barack Obama for asking it to reduce its nuclear arsenal, the White House said the President stands by his concerns over nuclear and missile developments in South Asia.

“The President’s comments were motivated by the concern that we have about nuclear and missile developments in South Asia. In particular, we’re concerned by the increased security challenges that accompany growing stockpiles, particularly tactical nuclear weapons that are designed for use on the battlefield,” White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters. “These systems are a source of concern because they’re susceptible to theft due to their size and load of employment.

Essentially, by having these smaller weapons, the threshold for their use is lowered and the risk that a conventional conflict between India and Pakistan, could escalate to include the use of nuclear weapons,” he said…….

On Friday, Obama had identified South Asia in particular India and Pakistan as one area where there is a need to be progress in the area of nuclear security and reduction of nuclear arsenal. India reacted strongly to Obama’s comments. http://www.dnaindia.com/world/report-despite-india-s-criticism-white-house-says-obama-stands-by-concern-over-nuclear-arsenal-in-south-asia-2198484