{"id":4145,"date":"2026-09-26T04:32:39","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T04:32:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/?p=4145"},"modified":"2026-09-28T04:37:19","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T04:37:19","slug":"nuclear-doctrine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/nuclear-doctrine\/","title":{"rendered":"Nuclear Doctrine"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
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SYLLABUS: International Relations<\/b><\/p>\n

General Studies \u2013 : II <\/b>Important International institutions, agencies and fora – their structure, mandate.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

IN NEWS:<\/b> Revisiting India\u2019s nuclear doctrine without revising it<\/span><\/p>\n

QUESTION: <\/b>Discuss how India can strengthen the credibility of its nuclear deterrence while retaining the core principles of its existing doctrine.<\/span><\/p>\n

ANSWER: <\/b>India\u2019s nuclear doctrine, officially adopted in 2003, is grounded in two fundamental tenets: <\/span>No First Use (NFU)<\/b> and <\/span>Credible Minimum Deterrence (CMD)<\/b>. It commits non-use against non-nuclear-armed states, massive retaliation in the event of a nuclear attack on Indian territory or forces, and strict civilian control through the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA).<\/span><\/p>\n

However, regional dynamics\u2014such as China\u2019s rapid nuclear expansion, hypersonic developments, and Pakistan\u2019s deployment of Tactical Nuclear Weapons (TNWs)\u2014have raised questions about the operational credibility of India\u2019s deterrence. Strengthening deterrence without diluting core principles requires reinforcing <\/span>capabilities, readiness, and strategic signaling<\/b> rather than altering the core defensive posture.<\/span><\/p>\n

Core Principles of India’s Existing Doctrine<\/b><\/h3>\n
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  1. No First Use (NFU):<\/b> Nuclear weapons are strictly for retaliation against a first strike involving nuclear weapons (or chemical\/biological attacks) on India or its forces.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Credible Minimum Deterrence (CMD):<\/b> Maintaining the minimum size of forces necessary to inflict unacceptable damage on an adversary.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Punitively Massive Retaliation:<\/b> Ensuring that any retaliatory strike causes catastrophic, unacceptable damage.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Strict Civilian Control:<\/b> Absolute authority rests with the Political Council of the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA), headed by the Prime Minister.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Challenges to Deterrence Credibility<\/b><\/h3>\n