(a) Nuclear Policy of India
India’s Nuclear Policy is shaped by its commitment to national security, strategic autonomy, and responsible nuclear use. The policy is guided by the principles of peaceful use of nuclear energy, deterrence, and non-proliferation while ensuring India’s sovereignty in global nuclear affairs.
Key Features of India’s Nuclear Policy
1. No First Use (NFU) Doctrine:
– India has adopted an NFU policy, meaning it will only use nuclear weapons in retaliation to a nuclear attack.
2. Credible Minimum Deterrence:
– India maintains a nuclear arsenal sufficient for deterrence, avoiding an arms race.
3. Civilian Use of Nuclear Energy:
– India promotes nuclear energy for peaceful purposes like power generation and medical applications.
4. Non-Signatory to NPT & CTBT:
– India has refused to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), citing their discriminatory nature.
5. Nuclear Command Authority (NCA):
– The NCA, chaired by the Prime Minister, oversees nuclear decision-making.
Evolution of India’s Nuclear Policy
– 1974: Conducted the first nuclear test (*Smiling Buddha*), demonstrating nuclear capability.
– 1998: Conducted a series of nuclear tests (*Pokhran-II*), making India a declared nuclear power.
– 2008: Signed the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, granting access to global nuclear technology and fuel without signing NPT.
Relevance and Challenges
– India faces nuclear threats from Pakistan and China, making its deterrence policy crucial.
– There are debates on whether NFU should be reviewed given regional security concerns.
India’s nuclear policy reflects its commitment to responsible nuclear use while safeguarding its strategic interests.
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(b) Arms Race in South Asia
The arms race in South Asia is primarily driven by the security competition between India, Pakistan, and China. It involves the accumulation of conventional and nuclear weapons, military modernization, and strategic defense policies.
Causes of the Arms Race
1. India-Pakistan Rivalry:
– Historical tensions over Kashmir and repeated conflicts (1947, 1965, 1971, and 1999) have fueled military buildups.
– Pakistan developed nuclear weapons in response to India’s Pokhran-II tests (1998).
2. China’s Military Expansion:
– China’s growing military strength and border conflicts (e.g., Galwan clash, 2020) push India to enhance its defense capabilities.
3. Technological Advancements:
– Development of hypersonic missiles, cyber warfare capabilities, and space-based defense has intensified the arms race.
4. Strategic Alliances:
– India’s partnerships with the US, Russia, and France for arms procurement.
– Pakistan’s defense ties with China and reliance on Chinese and US weapons.
Impact of the Arms Race
1. Regional Instability:
– Increased risk of conflicts, accidental escalations, and military confrontations.
2. Economic Burden:
– High defense spending diverts resources from social and economic development.
3. Nuclear Threat:
– The presence of nuclear weapons raises concerns over deterrence stability.
Way Forward
– Strengthening regional diplomacy through confidence-building measures (CBMs).
– Promoting nuclear disarmament talks under international frameworks.
– Enhancing economic and trade cooperation to reduce tensions.
The arms race in South Asia remains a serious security challenge, requiring strategic restraint and diplomatic efforts to ensure long-term stability.
