India has a very notable relationship with nuclear weapons. Since the country’s independence, the national leaders have been very vocal about the usage of nuclear weapons. However, the leaders were also aware of the role nuclear weapons were capable of playing in building the nation.
The first nuclear reactor for research purposes in India was built in 1956.
Furthermore, India’s decision to build nuclear weapons further intensified due to certain evidence. These showed how Pakistan with the help of China had made huge advancements in their nuclear weapons. Other reasons included the bureaucrats creating political awareness about the country’s dwindling nuclear weapons.
Hence it is evident that India has a moderate approach to nuclear weapons. Also, it is solely driven by a political, rather than a military approach.
The Purpose of nuclear weapons in India
Throughout time, Indian leaders have referred to nuclear weapons as a necessary evil. India views nuclear weapons as political tools and has always stressed disarmament.
Though the country had objected to the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty, it had always agreed on complete proliferation as means of securing world peace. Indian officials were also against only the world powers holding nuclear weapons, hence the rejection of the treaty.
Hence, India’s view on nuclear weapons has been exemplary and the country resolves to never use them for military purposes. The country’s nuclear weapons have always been restrained and have never violated any nuclear arguments.
Does India still hold onto defence missiles?
India’s defence missiles, however, completely contradict India’s nuclear policy. India’s defence missiles are used for military purposes. This goes against India’s ideal of using nuclear weapons just for political purposes. Missile defences are required only when it is assumed that nuclear weapons are going to be used. India’s official nuclear policy doesn’t mention the missile defence system, hence this poses a question to the political doctrine of India’s nuclear policy.
