युवा आवेग

The most recent study from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute yet again made the world focus on India's nuclear power. As reported by the institute in its annual research, India is estimated to own around 190 nuclear warheads, of which only 12 of them are assumed to be ready for use. Although the number caused much debate, the numbers should be taken into consideration in the framework of India's nuclear doctrine, regional security situation, and its strategic deterrence policy.

First of all, the reported figures are not officially provided, but are the result of analysis of open-source materials by SIPRI. India has been pursuing a policy of strategic ambiguity in relation to its nuclear arsenals. That is why the reported numbers should be considered as estimates.

India became a nuclear weapons state after its series of nuclear tests in 1998, but the first one, of peaceful nature, took place back in 1974. India has since adopted a policy of minimum deterrence in order to provide for its national security without participating in nuclear race. In contrast to other nuclear states, India does not deploy any of its warheads in active mode.

Deployment of 12 operational nuclear warheads is an example of this balanced strategy. Operational deployment of the nuclear warheads implies that these can be used by the armed forces when needed. The rest of the warheads will likely be maintained in a state of readiness, reserved, or stored apart from the means of their delivery. Restriction of the number of warheads that can be used operationally is consistent with the nuclear deterrence strategy of India.

The main strategy in the case of India's nuclear program is "No First Use" (NFU). According to this concept, India commits itself not to launch the attack using its nuclear weapons, yet retains its right to massive retaliation if attacked with the use of nuclear arms. This is expected to lower the chances of the unintended or pre-emptive nuclear conflict without undermining the possibility of the retaliatory response. While sometimes, talks arise about changing the NFU doctrine, it still remains the foundation of the country's official nuclear strategy.

The regional security environment plays an important part in the nuclear strategy of India. Two nuclear-capable states – Pakistan and China – form a part of India's borders, and both influence India's defense plans. While Pakistan has a policy of allowing the first use of nuclear weapons, China has a similar policy but does not abandon its No First Use policy while improving its nuclear forces. New strategic challenges require constant assessment of India's deterrence capabilities without changing its policy of minimum credible deterrence.

India has also developed its nuclear triad, namely land-based missiles, nuclear-capable aircrafts, and submarine-launched ballistic missiles. Such development makes the country's nuclear forces much more survivable as a retaliatory strike can be assured even if some part of the force is destroyed. Such development adds to the strategic stability by providing deterrence capabilities, not aggression.

The report by SIPRI provides an additional reason why nuclear weapons continue to be relevant in the context of international security. It seems especially relevant in view of current modernization of nuclear arsenals and the need for measures aimed at reduction of risks related to nuclear competition.

India’s use of twelve functional nuclear warheads must therefore be seen not just as a mere number but as part of a larger strategy which is based on deterrence and restraint. While the estimates might change, it is important to remember that India’s policy is based on ensuring a credible second strike capacity without aiming for any numerical advantage, in keeping with its responsible nuclear posture.

Team Yuva Aaveg-

Adarsh Tiwari

🌟 Join Yuva Aaveg! 🌟
A vibrant community dedicated to empowering youth with the latest insights, discussions, and updates on topics that matter. Connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and stay inspired to make a difference.

📲 Join us on WhatsApp and Telegram for exclusive updates and engaging conversations!

WhatsApp

 Telegram