Indian Nuclear Doctrine

India has a declared nuclear no-first-use policy and is in the process of developing a nuclear doctrine based on "credible minimum deterrence." In August 1999, the Indian government released a draft of the doctrine which asserts that nuclear weapons are solely for deterrence and that India will pursue a policy of "retaliation only". The document also maintains that India "will not be the first to initiate a nuclear first strike, but will respond with punitive retaliation should deterrence fail" and that decisions to authorize

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Sample Questions

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Question : 1

What is India's declared nuclear policy?
A. No first use	B. First strike policy	C. Preemptive strike	D. Nuclear weapons for offensive purposes
Right Option : A
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Question : 2

What is the key principle of India's nuclear doctrine?
A. Retaliation only	B. Preemptive strike	C. First strike in case of threat	D. Offensive deterrence
Right Option : A
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Question : 3

What significant shift in India's nuclear doctrine was signaled by former National Security Advisor Shri Shiv Shankar Menon in 2010?
A. A shift from "No First Use" policy to "First Use" policy.
B. A shift from "No First Use" policy to no use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states.
C. A shift from retaliation only to preemptive strikes.
D. A shift to a strategy of reducing the size of India's nuclear arsenal.
Right Option : B
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Explanation

In October 2010, former National Security Advisor Shiv Shankar Menon delivered a speech at the National Defence College, where he outlined a shift in India's nuclear posture. This shift was a refinement of the original nuclear doctrine rather than a complete reversal. Initially, India had adhered to ase "No First U" (NFU) policy, meaning that India would never be the first to use nuclear weapons in any conflict. This policy applied to all nations, including both nuclear and non-nuclear states.

However, Menon’s speech marked a change in the language surrounding the policy. He introduced the idea that India would not use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states, which is slightly different from the previous stance. The shift reflected a more strategic approach, acknowledging that the use of nuclear weapons in response to a non-nuclear attack would not align with India’s values or its focus on minimal deterrence.

This adjustment is important because it highlights India’s strategic culture, which emphasizes restraint and deterrence rather than offensive posturing. The change does not signal an abandonment of the NFU policy, but instead clarifies that nuclear weapons would not be used against countries that do not possess them. Thus, the doctrine continues to emphasize deterrence and retaliation, but with a specific focus on nuclear-armed states rather than non-nuclear ones.

The shift was understood to reflect India's changing security environment, and was likely influenced by the nuclear capabilities of neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan and China. The more minimalist approach allows India to retain a deterrent posture while maintaining its commitment to strategic stability in the region.

In conclusion, Option B is the correct choice because it directly addresses the specific change Menon signaled regarding India's policy towards the use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states, without abandoning the core principles of minimal deterrence and retaliation only.

Hence option B is correct

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