India's stated nuclear weapon policy of 'No First Use' is unlikely to continue in future if circumstances change, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday in Pokhran, Rajasthan. "Pokhran is the area which witnessed Atal Ji’s firm resolve to make India a nuclear power and yet remain firmly committed to the doctrine of ‘No First Use’. India has strictly adhered to this doctrine. What happens in future depends on the circumstances," stated Singh.

After visiting Pokhran on the death anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Singh recalled that it was in Pokhran where India conducted its nuclear tests under the leadership of the BJPstalwart.He also asserted that India's status of a responsible nuclear nation became a matter of national pride for every citizen, adding that the nation remains indebted to the former PM. "India attaining the status of aresponsible nuclear nation became a matter of national pride for every citizen of this country. The nation will remain indebted to the greatness of  Atal Ji," tweeted Singh.

"Visited Pokhran today and paid homage to the formerPrime Minister of India and one of the stalwarts of Independent India, AtalBihari Vajpayee ji on his first death anniversary. It is a coincidence that I’min Jaisalmer when the nation is observing Atalji’s first ‘Punyatithi’.Jaisalmer is home to Pokhran where India conducted its nuclear tests underAtalji’s leadership, tweeted Singh.

Late defence minister Manohar Parrikar had on November 10,2016, stated that India should change its stance and say "we are aresponsible nuclear power and I will not use it irresponsibly" instead offollowing the "no first use policy". However, he had later clarifiedthat the statement was his personal view and did not reflect a change in thegovernment policy.

Singh and Army Chief Bipin Rawat attended the closingceremony of the Fifth International Army Scout Masters Competition. An IndianArmy team on Thursday secured the first position in the event held atRajasthan's Jaisalmer's Military station under the aegis of Southern Command ofIndian Army from August 5-16.