Question

Highlight any four important features of the Nuclear Policy of India.

Answer 1

1. Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy: India’s nuclear programme was originally intended for peaceful uses like generating atomic energy, and the nuclear test conducted in 1974 was described as a “peaceful nuclear explosion.”
2. Opposition to Discriminatory Treaties: India has declined to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), viewing them as unfair agreements that favour existing nuclear weapon states.
3. Credible Minimum Nuclear Deterrence: India’s nuclear doctrine focuses on credible minimum deterrence, which means maintaining a small yet reliable nuclear arsenal to prevent aggression.
4. No First Use Policy: India adheres to a “No First Use” policy, pledging not to use nuclear weapons unless it is attacked first, and simultaneously supports universal and verifiable nuclear disarmament along with the goal of a world free of nuclear weapons.