India’s nuclear Policy
Published on 30 Sep 2025
No First Use (NFU) Doctrine: India has adopted a No First Use policy, which means it commits not to use nuclear weapons first in any conflict.
Minimum Credible Deterrence: This means that India maintains a nuclear arsenal sufficient to deter potential adversaries from launching a nuclear attack while avoiding an arms race or excessive nuclear stockpiling.
Civil-Military Separation: India maintains a clear separation between its civilian and military nuclear programs. Its civilian nuclear facilities are under international safeguards, while the military program remains separate and undisclosed.
Strengthening Strategic Forces: India has been modernizing and strengthening its strategic forces to ensure the credibility and effectiveness of its nuclear deterrent.
Example: India developing a range of delivery systems such as ballistic missiles, submarines, and aircraft.
Nuclear Disarmament: India has consistently advocated for global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.
Example: India’s commitment to global treaties like CTBT (Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty).
Civil Nuclear Cooperation: India has negotiated civil nuclear agreements with several countries to facilitate access to civilian nuclear technology and fuel, while maintaining its commitment to non-proliferation safeguards.
Example: India-France civil nuclear cooperation.
Nuclear Tests by India
India's nuclear tests have played a critical role in establishing the country as a significant player on the global stage. The first successful test in 1974, code-named "Smiling Buddha," marked India's entry into the exclusive club of nuclear-armed states, significantly altering the strategic balance in South Asia. This achievement demonstrated India's scientific and technological capabilities, boosting national pride and self-reliance. Subsequent tests in 1998, collectively known as "Operation Shakti," reaffirmed India's commitment to maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent. These tests were conducted in response to regional security dynamics, particularly the nuclear advancements of neighboring Pakistan and China, underscoring India's strategic need to ensure its security and sovereignty.
Significance of India’s nuclear tests
Regional Deterrence: The tests established India as a nuclear power, creating a credible deterrent against regional adversaries like Pakistan and China.
Technological and Scientific Advancement: Demonstrated India's advanced scientific and technological capabilities. Boosted national pride and confidence in indigenous research and development efforts.
International Standing: Asserted India's sovereignty and strategic autonomy, allowing it to resist external pressures and dictate its own defense policies.
Nuclear Doctrine Development: Following the tests, India formulated a clear nuclear doctrine, including a No First Use (NFU) policy, showcasing a responsible approach to nuclear weapons.
Strategic Partnerships: The nuclear tests paved the way for strategic partnerships, such as the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, which facilitated civilian nuclear cooperation and technology transfers.
Issues faced due to India’s nuclear tests
International Sanctions and Isolation: Both tests led to immediate international sanctions and diplomatic isolation, particularly from Western countries.
Nuclear Arms Race: The tests intensified the nuclear arms race in South Asia, leading to Pakistan conducting its own nuclear tests shortly after Operation Shakti. Increased regional instability and heightened the risk of nuclear conflict.
Non-Proliferation Criticism: India faced significant criticism for undermining global non-proliferation efforts and violating the spirit of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), despite not being a signatory.
Economic and Developmental Focus: Critics argue that resources spent on nuclear weapons development could have been better utilized for economic development and poverty alleviation.
Diplomatic Tensions: The tests created diplomatic tensions with several countries, complicating India's foreign relations.