New Delhi: Russia’s Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu called up his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh on Wednesday to discuss his country’s concerns about possible use of a ‘dirty bomb’ by Ukraine.
“Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held a telephonic conversation with the Defence Minister of Russian Federation Mr Sergei Shoigu on October 26, 2022 at the latter’s request. During the telecon, both Ministers discussed bilateral defence cooperation as well as the deteriorating situation in Ukraine. Defence Minister Shoigu briefed the Raksha Mantri on the evolving situation in Ukraine, including his concerns about possible provocations through use of ‘dirty bomb’,” the Indian Defence Ministry said in a statement.
In his response, Rajnath reiterated India’s position on the importance of pursuing dialogue and diplomacy to resolve Russia’s eight-month-long conflict with Ukraine.
“He pointed out that the nuclear option should not be resorted to by any side as the prospect of the usage of nuclear or radiological weapons goes against the basic tenets of humanity,” said the Defence ministry, adding that both ministers agreed to remain in touch.
The Russian minister has been making a number of phone calls on this matter with NATO defence ministers, as well as China, according to Reuters.
Kremlin asserted that it would ‘vigorously’ continue to make the case to the international community about Ukraine’s intention to detonate a ‘dirty bomb’ with radioactive contaminants.
However, Ukraine and its Western allies rejected Russia’s allegation and felt that Moscow is using it as a pretext to further escalate the war in Ukraine.
