What is India's Nuclear Doctrine?
Historical Background
Key Points
12 points- 1.
No First Use (NFU): India will only use nuclear weapons in retaliation against a nuclear attack.
- 2.
Credible Minimum Deterrence: Maintaining a sufficient and reliable nuclear arsenal to deter potential adversaries.
- 3.
Retaliation will be massive and designed to inflict unacceptable damage.
- 4.
Nuclear weapons will only be used in retaliation against attacks on Indian territory or Indian forces anywhere.
- 5.
India will not use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states.
- 6.
However, this may not apply if a non-nuclear weapon state is allied with a nuclear weapon state attacking India.
- 7.
India maintains a strong commitment to global nuclear disarmament.
- 8.
The doctrine emphasizes strict controls on nuclear weapons to prevent accidental or unauthorized use.
- 9.
A survivable and effective command and control system is essential for implementing the doctrine.
- 10.
India's nuclear deterrent is designed to ensure strategic stability in the region.
- 11.
The doctrine is subject to review and revision based on changes in the security environment.
- 12.
India's nuclear policy is guided by the principles of responsibility and restraint.
Visual Insights
India's Nuclear Doctrine: Decision-Making Process
Illustrates the decision-making process in India's Nuclear Doctrine.
- 1.Nuclear Attack on India/Indian Forces
- 2.Assessment by Strategic Forces Command (SFC)
- 3.Recommendation to Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
- 4.CCS Authorizes Retaliation
- 5.Massive Retaliatory Strike
- 6.End
Recent Developments
7 developmentsIn 2019, the then Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that India's NFU policy could be reviewed based on circumstances.
There are ongoing debates about the effectiveness and relevance of the NFU policy.
India continues to invest in its nuclear arsenal and delivery systems.
India is strengthening its nuclear command and control systems.
India is engaging in dialogues with other countries on nuclear issues.
Development of hypersonic technology is relevant to nuclear delivery capabilities.
Focus on indigenous development of nuclear technology and materials.
This Concept in News
1 topicsFrequently Asked Questions
61. What is India's Nuclear Doctrine and what are its core tenets?
India's Nuclear Doctrine outlines the country's policy on the use of nuclear weapons. The core tenets are: - No First Use (NFU): India will only use nuclear weapons in retaliation against a nuclear attack on Indian territory or forces. - Credible Minimum Deterrence: Maintaining a sufficient nuclear arsenal to deter potential adversaries. - Retaliation: Any retaliation will be massive and designed to inflict unacceptable damage.
- •No First Use (NFU)
- •Credible Minimum Deterrence
- •Retaliation will be massive
Exam Tip
Remember the NFU and Credible Minimum Deterrence aspects for both Prelims and Mains.
2. How does India's 'No First Use' (NFU) policy work in practice, and what are its limitations?
The 'No First Use' (NFU) policy means India will only use nuclear weapons in retaliation after being attacked by nuclear weapons first. Limitations include: - The policy is not codified in law, allowing for flexibility in interpretation. - The definition of 'attack on Indian territory or forces' can be broad, leading to uncertainty. - A review of the NFU policy was suggested in 2019, indicating potential changes in the future.
- •Policy not codified in law
- •Broad definition of 'attack'
- •Potential for future changes
Exam Tip
Understand the nuances of NFU, especially the ambiguity surrounding the definition of 'attack'.
3. What is the significance of 'Credible Minimum Deterrence' in India's Nuclear Doctrine?
'Credible Minimum Deterrence' means India maintains a nuclear arsenal sufficient to deter any potential aggressor. It ensures India's security without engaging in a nuclear arms race. The arsenal must be reliable and capable of inflicting unacceptable damage in retaliation.
Exam Tip
Focus on the balance between deterrence and avoiding an arms race.
4. How has India's Nuclear Doctrine evolved since the first nuclear test in 1974?
After the 1974 test ('Smiling Buddha'), India did not immediately weaponize. Following the 1998 tests ('Operation Shakti'), India declared itself a nuclear weapon state. The formal doctrine was adopted in 2003, outlining NFU and credible minimum deterrence. Recent developments include debates about the NFU policy and continued investment in nuclear capabilities.
Exam Tip
Note the timeline: 1974 test -> 1998 tests -> 2003 doctrine.
5. What are the challenges in implementing India's Nuclear Doctrine, especially concerning the NFU policy?
Challenges include: - Maintaining credible deterrence in a dynamic security environment. - Ensuring survivability of nuclear assets. - Addressing potential adversaries' perceptions and strategies. - The debate around the NFU policy itself, with some arguing for a more flexible approach.
- •Maintaining credible deterrence
- •Ensuring survivability
- •Addressing adversaries' perceptions
- •Debate around NFU
6. How does India's Nuclear Doctrine compare with that of Pakistan, and what are the implications for regional stability?
While the concept data doesn't provide details on Pakistan's nuclear doctrine, it's generally understood that Pakistan does not have a declared NFU policy. This difference has implications for regional stability, potentially leading to increased risk of nuclear escalation in a conflict scenario. India's doctrine emphasizes massive retaliation, while Pakistan's is perceived to be more focused on tactical nuclear weapons.
Exam Tip
Focus on the differences in declared policies and perceived strategies.