In a statement, Deora said the move was totally "unjustified" and also "self-defeating" for private companies across the world who wish to do business with India.

Illustrating India's openness to investment from any part of the world, Deora was drawn attention to the recent approval of many proposals from western countries, especially the US, Canada, Britain, Australia and Ireland in the mining and hydrocarbon exploration and production sectors.

The statement has been circulated to presidents and chairmen of more than 250 major counterpart business organisations in different countries to explain to them and to their business communities the compulsions and perspectives of India's nuclear tests.

India, he says, offers ideal conditions for foreign businessmen to come and prosper. Besidesa huge market that it offers, made up of the largest middle class community, Deora states that it has long standing political stability, a large English-speaking managerial and professional workforce, a sound legal framework and a highly esteemed judiciary. Besides, there is a very peaceful work environment and all encouragement from government institutions to come in, set up industries and market their products and prosper.