India, May 15 -- Pakistan on Thursday reacted to defence minister Rajnath Singh's remarks suggesting International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) oversight of Islamabad's nuclear arsenal, calling the statement a reflection of "sheer ignorance of the mandate and responsibilities" of the global nuclear watchdog.

The ministry of foreign affairs said it "strongly condemns" Rajnath Singh's remarks. "These irresponsible remarks reveal his profound insecurity and frustration regarding Pakistan's effective defence and deterrence against Indian aggression through conventional means. Pakistan's conventional capabilities are adequate to deter India, without the self-imposed 'nuclear blackmail' that New Delhi suffers," the ministry's statement read.

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