India should not blind itself to 'no-first-use nuclear policy': Parrikar

He, however, maintained that it was his personal opinion and he is not suggesting that India has to be the first user of nuclear weapons.

India follows the principle that it would not be the first to use atomic weapons in a conflict.

Speaking at a book release event, Parrikar said: "If a written down strategy exists or you take a stand really on a nuclear aspect, I think you are actually giving away your strength in nuclear... a lot of people say India has a no-first-use nuclear policy, but why should I bind myself? I should say I'm a responsible nuclear power and I will not use it irresponsibly. This is my thinking."

He also stated that his remarks should not be seen as an indication that the government has changed its nuclear policy.

"Some of them (news channels) tomorrow may flash nuclear doctrine has changed, but it has not," said he.

While India has this principle of not being the first user of the nuclear power, Pakistan does not abide this policy.

Parrikar also said that he used to "get threat(s) from Defence Minister of neighbouring country every 4-5 days that they are going to use tactical nuclear weapons if they are threatened. The day surgical strikes happened, no threat has come again. "

India on Sept 29 carried out surgical strikes inside the PakOccupied Kashmir to destroy terrorist launch pads after the  Uri Army base was attacked by heavily-armed Pakistani terrorists on Sept 18, in which 19 soldiers were killed.

Following the surgical strikes, there have been more than hundred incidents of ceasefire violations across the LoC which have also resulted into loss of lives on the Indian side.