Zubaria Andleeb, Saeed Ahmed, and Muhammad Fahim Khan
Ms. Zubaria Andleeb is a student of MPhil at the Department of International Relations (IR), Muslim Youth University (MYU), Islamabad. Mr. Saeed Ahmed is stuent of MPhil at the Department of IR, MYU, Islamabad. Dr. Muhammad Fahim Khan is an Assistant Professor at MYU, Islamabad.
DOI: http://DOI Number
Keywords: No First Use (NFU), Credible Minimum Deterrence, nuclear doctrine, non-proliferation, counter-force strike.
Abstract
Since the inception of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in 2014, India has been exploring options to maintain the formality of the No First Use (NFU) policy while continuously preparing for first use capacity. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term, India may reconsider its NFU policy, which used to be the cornerstone of its nuclear doctrine. This likely intention of BJP and shift in nuclear strategy would have far reaching implications for the region and international community. The BJP’s pursuit of a more aggressive nuclear posture is rooted in its ideology of a strong and assertive India. The policy shift in Indian nuclear doctrine would be shaped by its continuous efforts of upgrading its missile arsenal. The transition in the Indian nuclear posture towards developing more sophisticated nuclear weapons as the first strike would further question the credibility of the NFU doctrine. Doubt son the credibility of Indian nuclear policy would impact global nonproliferation efforts as it may be perceived as a departure from India’s commitment to responsible nuclear stewardship. Indian aspiration for a pre-emptive counter force strike would likely create deterrence instability in the region and may escalate tensions with Pakistan. If India were to abandon NFU, Pakistan may reassess its nuclear strategy, potentially leading to a nuclear arms race and security instability in the region.
First Published
July 25, 2024
How to Cite
Zubaria Andleeb, Saeed Ahmed, and Muhammad Fahim Khan, “India’s Nuclear ‘No First Use’ Policy: Implications of Potential Revocation,” Regional Studies 42, no. 1 (2024), 130-149, https://regionalstudies.com.pk/wp/article/indias-nuclear-no-first-use-policyimplications-of-potential-revocation/
Issue
Volume 42, Issue 1