Nuclear weapons policy in India

Nuclear weapons policy in India

 

**Author : Sumaiya khatun Student at Sultan ul uloom college of law Hyderabad

Introduction

Some of the main features of India’s nuclear doctrine are given below. “No First Use” policy – India will use nuclear weapons only in the event of a nuclear attack on India. Only Civilian political leadership has the power to authorize nuclear retaliation.

Pillars of nuclear doctrine in India

India became a nuclear power country without signing the Non-Proliferation Treaty which makes it the first country to have accomplished something like this. The pillars of India’s Doctrine Treaty are mentioned below : 

1 : No – first – use 

As per the nuclear doctrine, India conforms to a no-first-use policy when it comes to nuclear weapons. The theories of no-first-use and deterrence go hand in hand. Any first aggressive usage of nuclear weaponry will be an indication and an admittance that deterrence has not been successful and that the use of such weapons was the only option left for the country. 

2: credible minimum deterrent

The concept of minimum nuclear deterrent includes sufficient survivable and operationally prepared nuclear forces, a vigorous command and control system, effectual intelligence and early warning capabilities, and all-encompassing planning and operational training in tune with the strategy and the inclination to employ nuclear weapons and forces. The nuclear doctrine expects a deterrent that has the capability of administering destruction and punishment to the aggressor. 

Nuclear command Authority (NCA)

On 4th January 2003, India unveiled a 3-tier Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) to manage its nuclear weapons. This board framework was approved on the nuclear doctrine prepared by the National Security Board.

The NCA comprises of the following: 

(a)Political council

(b)Executive council and

The political council is headed by the Prime Minister. It is the body which authorizes the use of nuclear weapons.

Conclusion

The most important aspect of India’s nuclear doctrine is that it is majorly linked to a continued commitment to total nuclear disarmament. The 5 major nuclear nations are antipathic to relinquishing their monopoly over the production and deployment of nuclear weapons while denying a similar privilege to other countries.