India’s Nuclear Policy – Overview
India follows a credible minimum deterrence posture, aiming to deter nuclear threats without engaging in arms races.
Core Objectives
Prevent nuclear coercion
Ensure national security
Maintain strategic stability
Promote global nuclear disarmament
Key Pillars of India’s Nuclear Doctrine (2003)
1️⃣ Credible Minimum Deterrence
Maintain only the minimum number of nuclear weapons required for deterrence
Force size kept flexible, not fixed numerically
2️⃣ No First Use (NFU)
India will not use nuclear weapons first
Nuclear weapons used only in retaliation against:
Nuclear attack on India or Indian forces anywhere
📌 Exception: Retaliation permitted against chemical or biological weapons attacks
3️⃣ Massive Retaliation
Retaliation will be punitive and massive
Aims to inflict unacceptable damage
4️⃣ Civilian Control
Nuclear weapons under political leadership
Decision-making vested in Nuclear Command Authority (NCA)
Nuclear Command Authority (NCA)
🔹 Structure
Political Council:
Chaired by the Prime Minister
Sole authority to order nuclear use
Executive Council:
Headed by National Security Advisor (NSA)
Provides inputs & executes decisions
Strategic Forces Command (SFC)
Role
Manages India’s nuclear delivery systems
Ensures readiness & survivability
Under
Nuclear Command Authority
Operates the nuclear triad
Nuclear Triad – Illustration
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NUCLEAR TRIAD
┌───────────────┐
│ Land-based │ → Agni missiles
├───────────────┤
│ Sea-based │ → SSBNs (Arihant class)
├───────────────┤
│ Air-based │ → Fighter aircraft
└───────────────┘
📌 Sea-based leg ensures second-strike capability
India’s Nuclear Delivery Systems
🔹 Land-Based
Agni I–V missiles
Prithvi (tactical)
🔹 Sea-Based
INS Arihant (SSBN)
K-15 (Sagarika), K-4 SLBMs
🔹 Air-Based
Mirage-2000
Rafale (nuclear-capable)
Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD)
Two-layer system:
PAD (exo-atmospheric)
AAD (endo-atmospheric)
Protects key cities & strategic assets
India’s Nuclear Policy vs NPT
India is not a signatory to NPT
Considered a responsible nuclear power
Adheres to:
Export controls
Nuclear safety norms
Member of:
MTCR
Wassenaar Arrangement
Australia Group
Strategic Importance for India
Deterrence against China & Pakistan
Second-strike credibility
Strategic autonomy
Stability in South Asia
Challenges & Debates
NFU credibility debate
Tactical nuclear weapons in neighbourhood
Arms race risks
Command & control complexity
