India’s Nuclear Doctrine

India's nuclear doctrine is the set of principles governing the possession, possible use and political control of its nuclear weapons. In 2003, the Cabinet Committee on Security operationalised a posture centred on credible minimum deterrence, retaliatory use and centralised civilian authorisation. It combined deterrence with restraint, survivability and disarmament commitments.

Deterrence and conditions of use

• India would maintain a credible minimum deterrent, rather than seek numerical parity or nuclear war-fighting capability.
• Under No First Use, nuclear weapons would be used only in retaliation against a nuclear attack on Indian territory or Indian forces anywhere.
• Nuclear retaliation to a first strike would be massive and designed to inflict unacceptable damage.
• Nuclear weapons would not be used against non-nuclear-weapon states.
• India retained the option of nuclear retaliation after a major biological or chemical weapons attack against India or Indian forces anywhere.

Command, control and survivability

The doctrine placed nuclear weapons under strict civilian political control through the Nuclear Command Authority.

• The Political Council, chaired by the Prime Minister, is the sole body authorised to permit the use of nuclear weapons.
• The Executive Council, chaired by the National Security Adviser, advises the Political Council and executes its directives.
• The Strategic Forces Command manages the administration of India's strategic forces.
• The posture requires survivable forces, effective command and control, early warning, intelligence, and strict safety and security arrangements.

Restraint and disarmament commitments

• India reaffirmed its moratorium on nuclear testing.
• It supported negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty and maintained strict controls over exports of nuclear and missile-related materials and technologies.
• India reiterated the goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world through global, verifiable and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament.