According to Barnala the nuclear tests were "very timely" and the quick succession in which they were conducted has boosted the morale of the people. "These would help meet India's defence needs, and requirements," he added.

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had earlier tried to evade this issue when newsmen approached him for his reaction in Chandigarh.

In a sharp retort to Pakistan's reaction, Barnala said that India had not protested when Pakistan had test-fired Ghauri missile. However, he hoped that the nuclear tests would not affect the Indo-Pak relations.

"We have very cordial relations with all our neighbours and that is how we intend to keep them," he said.

Barnala expressed hope that sanctions announced by certain countries against India would"pose no problems".

He said the Central government may extend Rs 600 crore help for public health and Rs 400 crore health project to Punjab, if the World Bank aid for these projects got held up because of economic sanctions.

The Minister said that work was on for Rs 1,500 crore fertiliser project being set up in Sangrur district. He asserted that there was no bungling in subsidy of fertilisers which was being given to the manufacturers directly so that the farmers avail of fertilisers at cheaper rates.