Prime Minister Responds to Nuclear Tests by India


May 13, 1998
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Chrétien condemned today the further testing by India of two nuclear devices, which followed its testing on Monday of three devices.

"Canada is shocked and disappointed at India's action, which could set off a nuclear arms race on the Indian sub-continent and lead other countries to develop and test nuclear weapons," the Prime Minister said.

He announced that Canada's relations with India have been placed on hold:

  • Canada's High Commissioner in India has been ordered home as a sign of protest.
  • CIDA talks scheduled for May 22 in Delhi have been cancelled.
  • Trade policy bilateral talks scheduled for May 22-25 have been cancelled.
  • Talks under the joint ministerial committee have been cancelled.
  • Discussions on a bilateral MOU on the environment scheduled for May 20-22 in Nairobi have been cancelled.
  • Military exports have been banned.

    • Further measures will be announced following consultations with our allies. The Prime Minister will meet with the leadership of the European Union in London tomorrow, and will attend the G-8 Summit in Birmingham during the weekend.

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