No First Use (NFU)

The core of an NFU policy is a commitment not to use nuclear weapons first in a conflict. This means a country will only use nuclear weapons in retaliation for a nuclear attack on its territory or its forces. For example, if India is attacked with nuclear weapons, it reserves the right to retaliate with its own nuclear arsenal.

An NFU policy is often linked to a credible minimum deterrence. This means a country maintains a sufficient nuclear arsenal to deter potential adversaries from launching a nuclear attack, even if it promises not to use them first. India's nuclear doctrine emphasizes this.

The 'massive retaliation' doctrine is the opposite of NFU. It states that a country will respond to any aggression with overwhelming force, including nuclear weapons. This was a key part of US strategy during the Cold War.

An NFU policy can enhance strategic stability by reducing the risk of accidental or preemptive nuclear strikes. If neither side fears a first strike, the incentive to launch one is reduced. This is particularly important in regions with high tensions, like South Asia.

A key challenge with NFU is credibility. Adversaries may doubt a country's commitment to NFU, especially in a crisis. This can lead to uncertainty and potentially increase the risk of escalation. Pakistan, for example, has expressed doubts about India's NFU policy.

NFU policies often include exceptions. For example, India's NFU policy states that it reserves the right to retaliate with nuclear weapons if attacked with biological or chemical weapons. This 'massive retaliation' exception complicates the NFU commitment.

The command and control systems for nuclear weapons must be robust to ensure that an NFU policy can be effectively implemented. This includes secure communication channels, clear lines of authority, and safeguards against unauthorized use. A failure in command and control could lead to accidental or unauthorized nuclear use.

The impact on conventional warfare is a key consideration. Some argue that an NFU policy may embolden adversaries to launch conventional attacks, believing that the country will not escalate to nuclear weapons first. This is a concern for countries with conventional military disadvantages.

Verification of an NFU policy is difficult. There is no way to definitively prove that a country will not use nuclear weapons first. This lack of verifiability can undermine the credibility of the policy. It relies on trust and strategic signaling.

The role of technology is evolving. The development of new types of nuclear weapons, such as low-yield weapons, and advanced delivery systems, such as hypersonic missiles, can challenge the assumptions underlying NFU policies. These technologies may make first use more tempting.

In the UPSC exam, examiners often test the strategic implications of NFU, its impact on regional stability, and the challenges of maintaining a credible NFU policy. They may also ask about India's specific NFU policy and its rationale.