Nuclear Disarmament and India

India’s position on nuclear disarmament is characterized by a commitment to global disarmament principles while addressing its regional security challenges. India’s advocacy for a comprehensive, equitable, and verifiable disarmament process underscores its desire for a nuclear-weapon-free world, even as it maintains a credible minimum deterrent to safeguard its national security. The complex interplay of regional dynamics, security concerns, and global non-proliferation norms continues to shape India’s nuclear policy and its approach to disarmament.

In this article, you will know about the Nuclear Disarmament based on India’s perspective, timeline of India’s Nuclear Doctrine, commitments, challenges, and way forward. To explore more interesting UPSC Polity topics of GS Paper -1 like Live-in Relationships, check out other articles and IAS Notes of IASToppers.   

Table of Content

• What is Nuclear Disarmament?
• India’s Compliance with Disarmament commitments
• Timeline of the evolution of India’s Nuclear doctrine
• India’s commitment to Disarmament & International Security
• India and the future of Nuclear Arms Control
• The Road Ahead: Strategic Initiatives for India
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nuclear Disarmament?

• Nuclear disarmament refers to the process of reducing and eventually eliminating nuclear weapons globally.
• The UN Charter prioritizes disarmament and arms control to reduce the risk of global conflicts, through various mechanisms and agreements to promote disarmament.
• The United Nations has made nuclear disarmament its highest disarmament priority, and has been at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to achieve it since 1946.
• In 1959, the General Assembly endorsed the goal of complete disarmament.
• Nuclear weapons are considered the most dangerous weapons in the world, capable of destroying cities and killing millions of people.
• Their long-term effects can also jeopardize the environment and the lives of future generations.
• According to the United Nations, there are approximately 12,500 nuclear weapons in the world today, and over 2,000 nuclear tests have been conducted.

United Nations Initiatives

First Committee of the UN General Assembly

• “Measures to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction”: This resolution, which is adopted without a vote.
• “Convention on prohibition of use of nuclear weapons”: It calls for negotiations on a convention to prohibit the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons under any circumstances.
• “Reducing Nuclear Danger”: This resolution emphasizes the need to review nuclear doctrines and take immediate steps to reduce the risk of intentional or accidental nuclear weapon use, including de-alerting and de-targeting measures.
• “Role of Science and Technology in the context of International Security and Disarmament”: promotes multilateral dialogue on the impacts of scientific and technological advancements.

India’s Compliance with Disarmament Commitments

Key Aspects of India’s Nuclear Policy:

1. No First Use (NFU): India adheres to a “No First Use” policy, pledging not to use nuclear weapons unless first attacked by an adversary using nuclear weapons.
2. Credible Minimum Deterrence: India maintains a nuclear arsenal sufficient to deter adversaries, emphasizing a credible minimum deterrent rather than engaging in an arms race.
3. Civilian Control: India’s nuclear arsenal is under strict civilian control, with political leadership responsible for decision-making regarding the use of nuclear weapons.
4. Non-Proliferation: India has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), arguing that it discriminates against non-nuclear-weapon states while allowing the five nuclear-armed signatories to retain their arsenals.

Disarmament:

• India maintains a clear rhetorical commitment to global nuclear disarmament, advocating for complete disarmament within a specified timeframe.
• Unlike the Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) under the NPT, India is not legally bound by the Treaty to disarm but recognizes the global norm against the long-term retention of nuclear weapons.
• India’s stance on disarmament is linked to the principle of non-discrimination and equality among states.

Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)

• India has unilaterally declared a moratorium on nuclear testing since 1998.
• This commitment was further reinforced in the 2005 joint statement with the United States.
• However, India has not signed the CTBT, citing the need for a “positive environment.”

Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT)

• India supports the negotiation of an FMCT but has not agreed to a moratorium on the production of fissile materials for weapons purposes.
• The stance is conditioned by similar actions from neighboring countries, especially Pakistan.
• Given the moratorium observed by the NWS, India’s insistence on equal treatment highlights a conditional willingness to align with FMCT objectives.

Negative Security Assurances (NSAs)

• India’s NSA declaration is unilateral and qualified, reserving the right to use nuclear weapons in response to chemical or biological attacks.
• This position diverges from the unqualified NSAs provided by NWS under the NPT, thus falling short of the commitments made by NWS in 1995 and 2000.

Trade and Assistance:

• India adheres to the guidelines of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
• India also complies with UNSCR 1540, ensuring the control of WMD-related materials and technologies.
• The 2005 US-India joint statement further commits India to not transfer enrichment

Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZs)

• India supports the concept of NWFZs and has expressed a willingness to provide security assurances to these zones.
• However, formal agreements are complicated by India’s non-recognition as a NWS under the NPT.

Other Commitments:

• Reduced Operational Status: India’s nuclear forces are maintained at a reduced readiness status, aligning with the commitments of NWS.
• Diminished Role for Nuclear Weapons: Emphasis on nuclear deterrence, particularly in relation to regional security dynamics.
• Fissile Materials: India does not declare any fissile materials for weapons purposes as surplus, indicating a gap in compliance with the NWS commitment.
• Reporting: it commits to transparency in civilian nuclear programs, military nuclear transparency is linked to reciprocal agreements with all states.

Timeline of the Evolution of India’s Nuclear Doctrine

1947-1960s: Early Years and Initial Developments

• 1947: India gains independence. The initial focus is on peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
• 1948: Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru establishes the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) to oversee nuclear research and development.
• 1954: The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is created, with Homi J. Bhabha as its first secretary.
• 1962: The Sino-Indian War increases India’s security concerns, leading to more interest in nuclear capabilities.

1970s: Peaceful Nuclear Explosion

• 1974: India conducts its first nuclear test, codenamed “Smiling Buddha,” at Pokhran. India describes the test as a “peaceful nuclear explosion” (PNE).
• This marks India’s entry into the group of nuclear-capable states, although India does not yet articulate a formal nuclear doctrine.

1980s: Strategic Developments

• 1980s: India continues to develop its nuclear capabilities, focusing on improving its technological and scientific expertise.
• The strategic environment remains tense, especially with increasing concerns over Pakistan’s nuclear program.

1990s: Nuclear Tests and Doctrine Formation

• 1991: The disintegration of the Soviet Union and subsequent changes in the global geopolitical landscape affect India’s security calculations.
• 1998: India conducts a series of nuclear tests in May (Pokhran-II), declaring itself a nuclear weapons state. The tests prompt a formal articulation of India’s nuclear doctrine.

1999-2003: Formulation of the Nuclear Doctrine

• 1999: The Indian government releases a draft nuclear doctrine, emphasizing a policy of “credible minimum deterrence” and a “No First Use” (NFU) policy.
• 2003: India formally adopts its nuclear doctrine. Key elements include:
  • Credible Minimum Deterrence: Maintaining a sufficient number of nuclear weapons to deter adversaries.
  • No First Use (NFU): Committing to not use nuclear weapons first, but reserving the right to retaliate massively in the event of a nuclear attack on Indian territory or on Indian forces anywhere.
  • Retaliation Only: India’s nuclear weapons will only be used in retaliation against a nuclear attack on Indian territory or Indian forces.
  • Civilian Control: Nuclear weapons will be under the control of the civilian leadership.
• 2004: India sets up the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) to manage and oversee the country’s nuclear arsenal, comprising a Political Council and an Executive Council.
• 2010s: Discussions and debates continue about the credibility and sufficiency of India’s deterrence posture, including the need for a robust triad (land, air, and sea-based nuclear capabilities).
• 2014-2015: Statements by high-ranking officials suggest possible revisions to the NFU policy, reflecting evolving security dynamics. However, the government reiterates its commitment to NFU and credible minimum deterrence.
• 2016: India conducts several successful tests of its nuclear-capable missiles, enhancing its delivery systems and reinforcing its deterrent capabilities.
• 2019: Defense Minister hinted at a possible review of the NFU policy, but no official changes are made

India’s Commitment to Disarmament and International Security

Conference on Disarmament (CD)

India actively participates in the CD, advocating for:

• Nuclear disarmament: Supporting global disarmament initiatives.
• Negative security assurances: Seeking assurances against the use of nuclear weapons.
• Prevention of an arms race in outer space: Promoting measures to prevent weaponization of outer space.
• New types of weapons of mass destruction: Addressing emerging WMD threats.
• Transparency in armaments: Enhancing openness in armament processes.
• India also supports the commencement of negotiations on a non-discriminatory and internationally verifiable Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT).

Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and Biological & Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC)

• As a member of the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), India participates in the review and implementation of the CWC.
• India is also a party to the BTWC, engaging in meetings and efforts to prevent the proliferation of biological weapons.

Conventional Weapons

• India is a party to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) and participates in its meetings and discussions on issues such as Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems.
• India also submits annual national reports under the United Nations Programme of Action to combat the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.

Export Control Regimes

• India is a member of several export control regimes, including:
  • Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) since June 2016.
  • Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) since December 2017.
  • Australia Group (AG) since January 2018.
• India’s export control system is robust, with an updated list of controlled items (SCOMET) harmonized with international guidelines.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

• India participates in IAEA activities and has 31 facilities under IAEA safeguards.
• The Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) in India facilitates cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
• India also engages in bilateral agreements for peaceful nuclear energy applications and participates in the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).

Outer Space

• India is involved in outer space security discussions through the Conference on Disarmament and the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS).
• As a participant in the Hague Code of Conduct (HCoC), India adheres to transparency measures, including prelaunch notifications of ballistic missile and space launches.

Maritime Security Affairs

• India collaborates on enhancing maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region and globally through various initiatives and partnerships, such as:
• Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR): A platform for maritime security collaboration.
• Djibouti Code of Conduct-Jeddah Amendment (DCOC-JA), Friends of Gulf of Guinea (G7+FoGG), and Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS): Regional security frameworks.
• Co-operative Mechanism on the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS): Contributing to vital shipping lane protection.

Regional Security Forums

• India engages actively in regional security forums such as:
  • Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA)
  • ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)
  • ASEAN Defence Minister Meeting Plus (ADMM+),
  • contributing to various initiatives aimed at enhancing regional security and cooperation.

India and the Future of Nuclear Arms Control

• As India commemorates the 25th anniversary of Pokhran-II nuclear tests, the landscape of nuclear politics continues to be a defining element of international relations.
• The recent geopolitical tensions, notably the Russian offensive against Ukraine and related nuclear threats, underscore the enduring significance and peril of nuclear weapons.
• In today’s scenario, the prospects for nuclear arms control, non-proliferation, and disarmament are increasingly tenuous.
• For India, these developments necessitate a reaffirmation of its commitment to responsible nuclear stewardship and proactive engagement in arms control initiatives.
• After conducting nuclear tests in 1998, India declared a voluntary moratorium on further testing, minimizing the risks and costs associated with nuclear arms competition.
• Despite the complex and often adversarial regional dynamics, particularly with nuclear neighbors China and Pakistan, India has maintained its commitment to principles.

Challenges of Regional Nuclear Politics

• Security Concerns: India’s security concerns, particularly with nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and China, shape its cautious approach to disarmament.
• Regional stability and security considerations are paramount in India’s nuclear policy.
• Pakistan’s Nuclear Policy: Pakistan’s refusal to adopt a “No First Use” policy and its emphasis on tactical nuclear weapons complicate regional disarmament efforts.
• China’s Strategic Ambiguity: China’s expanding nuclear arsenal and strategic ambiguity influence India’s nuclear posture.
• India’s focus on credible minimum deterrence is partly driven by the need to counterbalance China’s capabilities.
• Global Disarmament Framework: The lack of progress in global nuclear disarmament frameworks and the perceived imbalance in treaties like the NPT impact India’s stance.

Urgency of Arms Control in Southern Asia

• Given the volatile nature of nuclear politics in Southern Asia, there is an urgent need for effective arms control mechanisms to ensure regional stability.
• The divergent perceptions of nuclear war risks between India and Pakistan, coupled with the absence of clear nuclear redlines in Pakistan, exacerbate the potential for nuclear escalation.
• Modernization of nuclear arsenals and the nuclear nexus between China and Pakistan heighten these risks, making arms control an imperative.

The Road Ahead: Strategic Initiatives for India

• As a responsible nuclear power, India has a critical role to play in advancing nuclear arms control in Southern Asia.
• Confidence-Building Measures: India should lead efforts to establish a trilateral forum with Pakistan and China to discuss nuclear arms control measures, including ballistic missile defense systems, development of MIRV technology, and adherence to control treaties like CTBT & FMCT.
• Promoting Dialogue and Cooperation: India must continue to advocate for bilateral and multilateral dialogues to foster mutual understanding and cooperation on nuclear issues.
• Engagement with China and Pakistan on arms control could mitigate the mistrust and competitive dynamics that currently prevail.
• Academic and Policy Advocacy: Think tanks, universities, and policy institutions in India should emphasize the importance of nuclear arms control and conduct research to support policy recommendations. This intellectual engagement can generate innovative solutions and build broader support for arms control initiatives.

Conclusion

India’s nuclear journey, which began on a note of responsibility, must continue to uphold the principles of restraint and strategic stability. In a region where nuclear risks are high and arms control interest is low, India’s leadership is crucial. By proactively engaging in arms control measures and fostering regional cooperation, India can enhance its security and contribute to global nuclear stability. The path forward is challenging, but India’s historical commitment to responsible nuclear conduct provides a strong foundation for navigating these complexities

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