India's Nuclear Policy and Non-Proliferation Commitments

Abstract: This research paper examines India's nuclear policy and its commitments to non-
proliferation efforts within the framework of international norms and agreements. It delves
into India's historical trajectory as a nuclear-armed state, its nuclear doctrine, and its stance
on non-proliferation initiatives. By analyzing India's strategic imperatives, regional security
dynamics, and global responsibilities, the paper aims to provide insights into the
complexities of India's nuclear policy and its implications for regional stability and global
security.

INTRODUCTION

India's nuclear policy has been a subject of global interest and scrutiny since its first nuclear
test in 1974, codenamed "Smiling Buddha." Subsequent to its nuclear tests in 1998, known
as "Pokhran-II," India declared itself a nuclear-armed state, fundamentally altering the
strategic landscape of South Asia. This declaration brought to the forefront critical questions
regarding India's nuclear doctrine, its stance on non-proliferation commitments, and the
broader implications for regional stability and global security. Understanding India's nuclear
policy requires an examination of its historical context, strategic imperatives, and
engagement with international non-proliferation regimes.

India's nuclear journey is deeply intertwined with its quest for strategic autonomy and
national security. The development of India's nuclear program dates back to its founding
years, driven by a combination of security concerns, technological ambitions, and
geopolitical realities. The decision to conduct nuclear tests in 1974 and 1998 was a
manifestation of India's assertion of its nuclear capabilities in the face of perceived security
threats and the pursuit of a credible deterrent posture. However, these tests also brought
India under intense international scrutiny and triggered debates about its adherence to
global non-proliferation norms.

Central to understanding India's nuclear policy is its nuclear doctrine, which encompasses
principles such as No First Use (NFU), credible minimum deterrence, and a retaliatory
posture. India's NFU policy, articulated in its nuclear doctrine, emphasizes the defensive
nature of its nuclear arsenal, aiming to deter potential adversaries from initiating a nuclear
conflict. The concept of credible minimum deterrence underscores India's commitment to
maintaining a nuclear arsenal sufficient to deter aggression while avoiding an arms race or
undue escalation of nuclear capabilities.

In the realm of non-proliferation, India's stance has been characterized by a nuanced

approach that balances its national security interests with its global responsibilities. India
has refrained from signing the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), citing concerns about
its discriminatory nature and the perpetuation of nuclear asymmetries. Instead, India has
advocated for universal nuclear disarmament and the elimination of nuclear weapons in a
time-bound manner, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and non-discriminatory
approach to non-proliferation.

As a nuclear-armed state, India recognizes its responsibilities in promoting global nuclear

security, disarmament, and non-proliferation. It has actively contributed to initiatives aimed
at strengthening nuclear safety, security, and safeguards, including its cooperation with the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and participation in global nuclear security
summits. However, India's nuclear policy also faces challenges, including regional security
dynamics, arms control negotiations, and the evolving nature of nuclear threats in the 21st
century.

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

The historical development of India's nuclear policy reflects a strong sentiment among
Indian leaders regarding the significance of nuclear weapons. Former Prime Minister Morarji
Desai, echoing the sentiment of Indian public opinion, emphasized the paramount
importance of nuclear policy, stating that even if the entire country were destroyed, nuclear
weapons should not be pursued. He outlined two major guidelines in India's nuclear policy:
prioritizing missile testing programs and advocating for global nuclear disarmament.

During the period from the 1960s to the 1990s, Indian leaders primarily debated whether
India should pursue nuclear weapons rather than how they would be used strategically.
However, in the 1980s, some Indian defense analysts, such as K. Subramanyam and K.
Sundarji, advocated for a minimal deterrent capability and highlighted the political utility
and strategic autonomy provided by nuclear weapons.
Nuclear weapons and technology became symbolic of India's independence, technical
prowess, and modernization efforts after independence. Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime
Minister and Defense Minister, laid the groundwork for India's nuclear program. Prime
Minister Indira Gandhi facilitated India's first peaceful nuclear test in 1974 near Pokhran,
while her grandson, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, contributed to establishing India's nuclear
delivery capability through the Agni intermediate-range ballistic missile test in 1989.

In 1998, under the leadership of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, India demonstrated its
nuclear capabilities, establishing itself as a nuclear-armed state. This display of nuclear
prowess was intended not only to assert India's status as a nuclear power but also to resist
external pressures. India's nuclear tests in 1998 marked a significant milestone, showcasing
its ability to fabricate and test modern nuclear weapons. It is noteworthy that India
conducted multiple tests in a single attempt, distinguishing itself from other nuclear-armed
states.

Analysis of India's nuclear tests in 1974 (Smiling Buddha) and 1998 (Pokhran-II) and their
impact on regional security dynamics

India's nuclear tests in 1974 (Smiling Buddha) and 1998 (Pokhran-II) marked significant
milestones in the country's pursuit of nuclear capability and had far-reaching implications for
regional security dynamics in South Asia. The 1974 test, conducted under the leadership of
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, marked India's entry into the nuclear club and sent a strong
message to its neighbors and the international community about its nuclear ambitions. The
test, codenamed "Smiling Buddha," was seen as a strategic signaling tool, aimed at asserting
India's security posture in the face of perceived threats, particularly from China. However, it
also triggered concerns about nuclear proliferation and led to international condemnation
and sanctions, highlighting the challenges India faced in reconciling its security imperatives
with global non-proliferation norms.

The 1998 nuclear tests, conducted under the leadership of Prime Minister Atal Bihari
Vajpayee, were a response to deteriorating security environment in South Asia, including
nuclear tests by Pakistan earlier that month. The tests, collectively known as "Pokhran-II,"
aimed to solidify India's nuclear deterrent capabilities and demonstrate its resolve to defend
its national security interests. However, they also escalated tensions in the region and
sparked concerns about a nuclear arms race between India and Pakistan. The international
community, while expressing concerns about nuclear proliferation, struggled to effectively
manage the crisis and prevent further escalation, underscoring the challenges of nuclear
diplomacy in a volatile region.

In the long term, India's nuclear tests contributed to the establishment of nuclear
deterrence between India and Pakistan, which, despite periodic crises, has arguably
prevented full-scale conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. However, they also
accelerated the nuclear arms race in South Asia, with both countries expanding their nuclear
arsenals and developing delivery systems, raising concerns about nuclear instability and
miscalculation. The tests highlighted the inadequacies of existing regional security
mechanisms in managing nuclear risks and underscored the need for confidence-building
measures, crisis communication channels, and nuclear risk reduction measures to mitigate
the risks of nuclear conflict in South Asia

India Strategy towards Nuclear Policy

 India's nuclear strategy is multifaceted, emphasizing the diverse uses of nuclear

energy and positioning India as a responsible nuclear state. Central to India's nuclear
policy is the "No First Use" (NFU) nuclear policy, adopted after the Pokhran-II nuclear
tests in 1998. This policy asserts that India will not be the first to use nuclear
weapons in any conflict, emphasizing a defensive posture aimed at self-retaliation if
attacked. Additionally, India's nuclear doctrine, outlined in January 2003, includes
commitments such as refraining from nuclear use against non-nuclear states,
maintaining a moratorium on nuclear testing, and working towards universal nuclear
disarmament. These principles portray India as a responsible nuclear power
committed to global peace and security.
 The NFU policy serves as a diplomatic tool, allowing Indian leaders to present the
country as a responsible actor on the world stage, particularly in contrast to regional
rivals like Pakistan. However, critics argue that the NFU policy is a strategic move to
build India's image as a moderate and responsible power following its overt
nuclearization. Despite criticisms, the NFU policy is considered a cornerstone of
India's nuclear posture, contributing to stability in the region.
  In addition to NFU, India adheres to the concept of "Minimal Credible Deterrence,"
emphasizing the need for a credible but minimal nuclear deterrent capability. This
doctrine, announced in 1999, underscores India's commitment to using nuclear
weapons only as a last resort in response to a nuclear attack on Indian territory or
forces. The doctrine aims to prevent nuclear adversaries from considering aggressive
actions against India while maintaining strategic stability in South Asia. By
emphasizing minimal deterrence, India seeks to demonstrate its responsible nuclear
stewardship while ensuring effective deterrence against potential threats.
 Overall, India's nuclear strategy, characterized by NFU and Minimal Credible
Deterrence, reflects a balance between national security imperatives, global non-
proliferation commitments, and regional stability concerns. It underscores India's
commitment to responsible nuclear behavior and its aspiration for a world free of
nuclear threats.
 India's stance on nuclear non-proliferation, including its decision not to sign the
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and its pursuit of membership in the Nuclear
Suppliers Group (NSG) and other multilateral export control regimes, reflects a
complex interplay of historical, strategic, and diplomatic considerations. India's
decision not to sign the NPT stems from its perception of the treaty as discriminatory
and biased towards recognized nuclear-armed states. Instead of signing the NPT,
India advocates for universal nuclear disarmament and pursues membership in
export control regimes to access nuclear technology while adhering to non-
proliferation norms.

India's efforts to join the NSG and other export control regimes have faced both support and
resistance from the international community. Supporters argue that India's adherence to
non-proliferation norms and its responsible nuclear stewardship make it a suitable candidate
for membership. However, critics raise concerns about India's nuclear weapons program and
its non-signatory status to the NPT, which they fear could undermine the integrity of the
non-proliferation regime.
Despite challenges, India actively engages with the NSG and other export control regimes,
advocating for its membership based on its track record of nuclear responsibility.
Additionally, India contributes to global non-proliferation efforts by supporting initiatives to
strengthen nuclear security, enhance safeguards, and prevent illicit trafficking of nuclear
materials and technology.

India's partnership with international organizations such as the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) and its participation in initiatives like the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear
Terrorism (GICNT) underscore its commitment to nuclear security and disarmament.
Furthermore, India plays a constructive role in promoting regional stability in South Asia
through initiatives such as the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and
the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

In conclusion, India's pursuit of membership in export control regimes and its contributions
to global non-proliferation efforts reflect its efforts to balance national security imperatives
with global objectives. Despite challenges, India remains committed to promoting nuclear
security, disarmament, and non-proliferation on the global stage, contributing to a safer
world.

Impact of India's nuclear capabilities on regional security dynamics

India's nuclear capabilities have significantly shaped regional security dynamics in South
Asia, impacting deterrence stability, arms race dynamics, and efforts towards nuclear risk
reduction measures.

Firstly, India's possession of nuclear weapons has contributed to deterrence stability in the
region. This has prevented full-scale conflict between India and Pakistan, as the threat of
devastating retaliation deters aggression. However, the risk of accidental or unauthorized
use remains a concern.

Secondly, India's nuclear capabilities have fueled an arms race in the region. Pakistan's
nuclear program, in response to perceived threats from India, has led to competitive nuclear
buildup and increased military spending. This has heightened tensions and raised concerns
about nuclear instability.
Lastly, India's nuclear capabilities have prompted efforts towards nuclear risk reduction
measures. Both India and Pakistan have engaged in dialogues and confidence-building
measures to prevent misunderstandings and reduce the risk of nuclear conflict. However,
continuous efforts are needed to enhance mutual understanding and promote transparency.

In conclusion, while India's nuclear capabilities have contributed to deterrence stability, they
have also intensified an arms race and raised concerns about nuclear instability in South
Asia. Efforts towards nuclear risk reduction measures are crucial to mitigate the risks
associated with nuclear weapons and promote regional stability.

CONCLUSION

Firstly, India's adoption of a "No First Use" (NFU) nuclear policy and its pursuit of a "Minimal
Credible Deterrent" doctrine underscore its commitment to responsible nuclear stewardship
and strategic stability. These policies reflect India's efforts to balance its security imperatives
with global non-proliferation norms, portraying itself as a responsible nuclear actor on the
world stage.Secondly, India's decision not to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
and its pursuit of membership in multilateral export control regimes, such as the Nuclear
Suppliers Group (NSG), demonstrate its aspiration to access nuclear technology for peaceful
purposes while adhering to non-proliferation norms. However, this pursuit faces challenges
due to India's nuclear weapons program and non-signatory status to the NPT, highlighting
the need for nuanced diplomatic engagement and strategic alignment with global objectives.

The implications of these findings for India's nuclear policy and its role in global non-
proliferation efforts are significant. India's nuclear posture, characterized by NFU and
Minimal Credible Deterrence, provides a framework for responsible nuclear behavior and
strategic stability in South Asia. However, India must navigate complex geopolitical dynamics
and balance its security imperatives with its global responsibilities in the nuclear domain.

Therefore, there is a call to action for policymakers to engage in constructive dialogue and
cooperation with international partners to address nuclear proliferation challenges
effectively. India can play a pivotal role in advancing nuclear disarmament, strengthening
nuclear security measures, and promoting global non-proliferation initiatives. Policymakers
must prioritize efforts to build trust, enhance transparency, and mitigate nuclear risks,
ensuring that India's nuclear policy aligns with its global responsibilities and contributes to a
safer and more secure world for all.