Sir: Your editorial comment on India's nuclear explosion (May 25) raises issues of far-reaching significance.
The entire international effort to reach a consensus on Non-Proliferation Treaty becomes an exercise in futility if it is conceded that a country is entitled to explode a nuclear device in its "political and national military interest." What, when a nation arrogates to itself the role of pursuing that 'interest' beyond its frontiers as, in fact, India did arrogate by dismembering Pakistan through armed intervention?
The argument that "since her victory over Pakistan," India "must endure the responsibility of a major power in the Central Asian region," is fraught with awsome portents. If victory over a neighbouring country forms the basis of acquiring the status of a 'major power, the spectre of aggression against comparatively small, vulnerable nations will stalk the world.
Abdul Qayyum Embassy of Pakistan, 35 Lowndes Square, London SW1
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