Prof Mohammed Ayub-It is true that India must balance its search for security with its quest for international respectability. However, this does not mean that it should sacrifice the former at the altar of the latter.

India’s NFU:

In 1998, India conducted nuclear tests under Pokhran-II and in 2003, it declared its nuclear doctrine based on credible minimum deterrence and a No First Use policy while reserving the right of massive retaliation if struck with nuclear weapons first.

What is no first use nuclear doctrine?

It refers to a pledge or a policy by a nuclear power not to use nuclear weapons as a means of warfare unless first attacked by an adversary using nuclear weapons.

Is there a need to revisit this policy?

Yes

1)Pakistan doesnt have No First Use policy.

2)China possesses No First Use policy but has become increasingly ambivalent

3)Given the increasing asymmetry of conventional military power between India and China, some analysts believe that India should revoke its “no first use’ policy. 

No

1)India’s strategic culture clearly demonstrates that it is a status quo power devoid of any aggressive intention.

2)India’s conventional strength is adequate for defence against Pakistan. This conventional advantage is further reinforced by India’s offensive policy of ‘Cold Start’, which seeks to circumvent a nuclear response from Pakistan. The Cold Start doctrine is independent of the NFU pledge and, hence, India can use it to neutralise any conventional aggression by Pakistan.

3)It would also reduce the space for conventional warfare between India and Pakistan,thus benefitting Pakistan strategically.

4)It would also unnecessarily provoke China,thus increasing the threats of two front aggression against India.

5)India has always promoted herself as a responsible nuclear weapon state. Hence, a first strike policy would severely damage India’s reputation as a responsible nuclear weapon state.

Chinmaya R. Gharekhan, a former Indian Ambassador to the United Nations-India has been in the forefront in campaign for nuclear disarmament. Let us not at least escalate a nuclear arms race in our region.

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