India’s Nuclear Doctrine: Need for Review, Not Revision

Gist Experts are advocating for a comprehensive review of India’s nuclear doctrine to address contemporary strategic, technological, and geopolitical shifts. While the core principles of No First Use and credible minimum deterrence remain fundamentally sound, the emergence of a China-Pakistan strategic nexus and disruptive technologies necessitates an operational reassessment. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the debate between retaining a responsible nuclear posture and adapting to two-front deterrence challenges is crucial for both internal security and international relations. Background India formally established itself as a nuclear weapons state following the 1998 Pokhran-II tests . Following the 1999 Draft Nuclear Doctrine , the Cabinet Committee on Security CCS formally operationalised the official nuclear doctrine on January 4, 2003 . The framework is anchored in two foundational pillars: Credible Minimum Deterrence and a strict No First Use NFU posture, managed under firm civilian control. However, the doctrine mandates massive retaliation to inflict unacceptable damage if India suffers a nuclear strike, and explicitly retains the right of nuclear retaliation against major biological or chemical weapons attacks. Key Pointers The Two-Front Challenge: Deepening defence cooperation between…