INDIA’S NUCLEAR DOCTRINE

GS III (TECHNOLOGY, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, BIODIVERSITY, ENVIRONMENT, SECURITY AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT)

Published on:

30 Sep 2024, 8:00 am

Nuclear policy is a framework of guidelines, principles, and strategies governing a country's approach to nuclear weapons and nuclear energy.

India’s nuclear doctrine can be summarized as follows:

Building and maintaining a credible minimum deterrent;
A posture of "No First Use" nuclear weapons will only be used in retaliation against a nuclear attack on Indian territory or on Indian forces anywhere;
Nuclear retaliation to a first strike will be massive and designed to inflict unacceptable damage.
Nuclear retaliatory attacks can only be authorised by the civilian political leadership through the Nuclear Command Authority.
Non-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states;
However, in the event of a major attack against India, or Indian forces anywhere, by biological or chemical weapons, India will retain the option of retaliating with nuclear weapons;
A continuance of strict controls on export of nuclear and missile related materials and technologies, participation in the Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty negotiations, and continued observance of the moratorium on nuclear tests.
Continued commitment to the goal of a nuclear weapon free world, through global, verifiable and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament.

Nuclear Command Authority

It comprises a Political Council and an Executive Council.

The Political Council is chaired by the Prime Minister. It is the sole body which can authorize the use of nuclear weapons.
The Executive Council is chaired by the National Security Advisor. It provides inputs for decision making by the Nuclear Command Authority and executes the directives given to it by the Political Council.

Evolution of India’s Nuclear Policy and Nuclear Programs:

Passive Phase

Late 1940s: Initiation of India’s nuclear program under Homi J. Bhabha.
1945: Establishment of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) by Homi J. Bhabha for fundamental scientific research.
1948: Formation of the Atomic Energy Commission of India (AEC) to formulate and implement the country's nuclear policy.
1951: Discovery of India’s first uranium deposit in Singhbhum district (Jharkhand) by the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
1954: Creation of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) to focus on nuclear power technology and radiation applications in various fields.
1957: Establishment of Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET) by Dr. Bhabha for comprehensive nuclear research, renamed Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in 1966.
1963: Accord between the USA and India for the supply of enriched fuel to India’s Tarapur nuclear power plant.
1970: Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) comes into force to prevent nuclear weapons spread and promote peaceful nuclear energy use. India does not sign the NPT, criticizing it for reinforcing the nuclear weapons monopoly of the recognized nuclear states.
1974: India conducts its first nuclear explosion, Operation Smiling Buddha (Pokhran-1), signaling its nuclear capabilities amid regional tensions, particularly with Pakistan. The international response was largely condemnatory.

Active Phase

Function: A public sector enterprise responsible for generating electricity from nuclear power.

1988: Agreement on Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities

Parties: India and Pakistan.

Terms: Agreement to exchange lists of nuclear installations and to refrain from attacking each other's nuclear facilities.

Details: A series of nuclear tests conducted in Pokhran, Rajasthan.

Purpose: Demonstrated India's nuclear technology capabilities.

Purpose: To ensure the safety and security of Indian nuclear assets.

2003: India’s Nuclear Doctrine and Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) Established

NCA: Responsible for command, control, and operational decisions regarding India’s nuclear weapons.

Doctrine: Guidelines outlining India's nuclear policy and strategy.

Details: Facilitates cooperation in civilian nuclear technology between India and the USA.

Significance: India's first indigenous nuclear-powered submarine, marking a milestone in its nuclear submarine program.

Focus: Cooperation in nuclear safety and technology.

India is the only non-NPT signatory with which Japan has a civil nuclear deal.

Capability to deliver nuclear weapons via aircraft, land-based missiles, and submarine-launched missiles.

Accomplished with the commissioning of INS Arihant.

India's nuclear doctrine is significant because it is primarily associated with a sustained commitment to complete nuclear disarmament.