Clandestine nuclear activities consistent with Pak's history: MEA on Islamabad 'testing' nuclear weapons

India on Friday slammed Pakistan following US President Donald Trump’s claims of its covert nuclear testing, calling such “clandestine and illegal” actions a continuation of Islamabad’s long-standing record of proliferation and smuggling.

Reacting to Trump’s revelation that Pakistan has been secretly conducting nuclear tests, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has repeatedly raised these concerns before the global community, highlighting Islamabad’s past in this domain.

'Pak nuclear conduct rooted in decades of violations'

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

"India has always drawn the attention of the international community to these aspects of Pakistan's record," he added. He further stated that India had "taken note" of Trump's comment about Pakistan's nuclear testing. Jaiswal's remarks come in the backdrop of Trump's claim that Pakistan is among the countries actively conducting nuclear tests.

Also Read: Pakistan testing nuclear weapons? Trump alleges, defends US move to resume testing: What it means

In an interview with foreign news channel on Sunday, Trump said several countries, including Russia, China, North Korea and Pakistan, are conducting nuclear tests. "Russia's testing and China's testing, but they don't talk about it. We're an open society. We're different. We talk about it. We have to talk about it because otherwise you people are going to report. They don't have reporters that are going to be writing about it," Trump stated.

"We're going to test because they test and others test. And certainly North Korea's been testing. Pakistan's been testing," he added.

Trump made these remarks when asked about his administration’s decision to resume nuclear testing after more than 30 years, following Russia's trials of advanced nuclear-capable systems, including a Poseidon underwater drone.

"You have to see how they work. The reason I'm saying testing is because Russia announced that they were going to be doing a test. If you notice, North Korea is testing constantly. Other countries are testing. We're the only country that doesn't test. And I don't want to be the only country that doesn't test," Trump stated during the interview.

Also Read: 'No choice but to expand': Trump announces resumption of US nuclear tests after 33 years

'Quad remains important Indo-Pacific platform'

India on Friday reiterated that it considers the Quad an important forum for discussions among the four partners on issues of shared interest in the Indo-Pacific region. Addressing a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the grouping—comprising India, Australia, Japan and the US — is advancing steadily.

"We see the Quad as a valuable platform for discussions among the four Quad partners on issues of importance and interest to them in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad is making steady progress. Recently, on the sidelines of, or as part of, India Maritime Week held in Mumbai, we had the Quad Ports of the Future Conference on October 29 and 30. Almost 24 countries participated in it, including the four Quad partners. Around 120 delegates took part in the conference,” said Jaiswal.

Last month, India hosted the first Quad Ports of the Future Conference in Mumbai, with thematic discussions focused on advancing a shared vision for resilient, secure and future-ready ports.

"India hosted the 1st Quad Ports of the Future Conference with participation of 120 delegates from 24 Indo-Pacific partners. Thematic panel discussions centred on advancing a shared Quad vision for resilient, secure & future-ready ports—strengthening collaboration on infrastructure, financing, regulatory frameworks, workforce development, technology, digital ecosystems, cybersecurity and sustainability," Jaiswal posted on X.

A statement by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said the Quad initiative aims to promote modern and resilient port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific. It seeks to harmonise expertise, share best practices and mobilise government and private investment to bolster maritime connectivity, logistics resilience and quality infrastructure.

India is due to host the next Quad Leaders' Summit, with dates yet to be announced. Quad brings together India, Australia, Japan and the US with a commitment to support a free, open, prosperous and resilient Indo-Pacific.