India flags Pak history of covert and clandestine nuclear tests

Official says export control violations and A OQ Khan network mark neighbour’s past record

- JAYANTH JACOB

INDIA on Friday hit out at Pakistan over alleged covert nuclear weapons testing, following US President Donald Trump's remarks that Islamabad continues to conduct underground nuclear trials.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described Pakistan's purported activities as "clandestine and illegal," consistent with what it called Islamabad's "decades-long record of proliferation and deception." Randhir Jaiswal said Pakistan's nuclear history has been marred by illicit networks and violations of global norms.

"Clandestine and illegal nuclear activities are in keeping with Pakistan's history that is centered around decades of smuggling, export control violations, secret partnerships, the AQ Khan network, and further proliferation," Jaiswal said.