BS argument. Don't fall for this crap. Let me tell you why:
1.) We pursued our nuclear program even though we knew it meant crippling sanctions (just like today we have FATF, IMF debt, etc.) We weren't some economic superpower back then either.
Under your logic, we should have said: "Oh, we can't pursue the atomic bomb as it will result in sanctions and other diplomatic complications and we are already a weak country economically --- let's just hope India suddenly becomes a saint and we can live happily ever after!"
2.) The whole point of a good intel agency is that it provides creative and deniable solutions when a country has its back against the wall. Where are those solutions? EXCUSES are the domain of petty politicians, not of offensive black ops units!
3.) Weak economy or not, we need to have a STRONG deterrent against Indian terrorism. Nukes provide deterrence against a large-scale invasion. What do we do about attacks through proxies and destabilization? The only option is to return the favor. If our current capabilities aren't good enough to do this without invoking the wrath of FATF, etc., then we need to build those capabilities before putting money in any other military purchases!
@Areesh