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.
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 Real-World Examples
1 examplesIllustrated in 1 real-world examples from Feb 2026 to Feb 2026
Source Topic
Agni-3 Nuclear-Capable Ballistic Missile Successfully Test-Fired off Odisha Coast
Science & TechnologyUPSC Relevance
Frequently 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.
