India said on Friday that its dialogue with the US and other countries on nuclear issue is "predicated" on New Delhi having a credible minimum nuclear deterrent.

"Our dialogue with the US government on the nuclear issue as well as with other countries is predicated on India having a credible minimum deterrent," a spokesman of the External Affairs Ministry said in response to remarks by John Holum, US President Bill Clinton's top adviser on proliferation.

Holum has reportedly said on the World net program of the State Department that it is not possible for the US to recognize India as a nuclear power under the Non-Proliferation treaty.

India said after its nuclear tests in May 1998 that it would maintain a minimum nuclear deterrent and would undertake necessary steps to ensure its credibility.