Pokhran is the area which witnessed Atal Ji’s firm resolve to make India a nuclear power and yet remain firmly committed to the doctrine of ‘No First Use’. India has strictly adhered to this doctrine. What happens in future depends on the circumstances.
Rajnath Singh (Defence Minister, India)
Crux of the Matter
Kashmir has been a point of contention between nuclear capable neighbours India and Pakistan.
In 2019 tension between the 2 states has escalated amidst Pulwama terrorist attack and the subsequent Balakot strikes. The recent abrogation of Article 370 has also pushed Pakistan on the defensive.
India has always maintained a ‘No First Use’ policy for nukes. Pakistan does not maintain a similar policy. Pakistan has often used veiled nuclear threats as geopolitical bargaining chip.
BJP leaders have previously called for re-evaluating India’s no first use stance.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has hinted at a change of nuclear doctrine, saying, “What happens in future depends on the circumstances.” He maintained that India will remain a responsible nuclear state as in the past.
Curiopedia
India has a declared nuclear no-first-use policy. Indian nuclear doctrine 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 authorise the use of nuclear weapons would be made by the Prime Minister or his ‘designated successor(s).’ More Info
Curated Coverage
India Today – No first use nuclear policy may change in future, says Rajnath Singh on India’s defence strategy
The Indian Express – Rajnath on ‘no first use’ nuclear policy: ‘What happens in future depends on circumstances’
Hindustan Times – India adhered to nuclear no first use, says Rajnath Singh. Then, a twist
NDTV – India’s No First Use Nuclear Policy: Explained In Five Points
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