Both the Balakot and Pulwama strikes demonstrate that India does not feel coy in undertaking strong counter-terrorism measures against Pakistan Abhinav Khare deep dives to find out if decisions regarding the use of nuclear weapons may change in future if we are to believe Rajnath Singh’s words.
Ever since India conducted the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, it has followed the 'No First Use' (NFU) Policy of using its nuclear power against any country. However, recently defence minister Rajnath Singh spoke of a deviation in that. He said, India’s 'No First Use' promise “depends on circumstances”. Pakistan has in fact threatened India of using her nuclear weapons if India ever resorts to a conventional war. While till now India seemed unprovoked, things may change in future if we are to believe Rajnath Singh’s words.
The No First Use policy always goes hand in hand with Credible Minimum Deterrence, which implies an assured second strike capability and not just indefinite expansion of nuclear arsenal. Presently, the Nuclear Command Authority is in command, and in control of operational decisions on nuclear weapons; it is the Cabinet Committee on Security and ultimately the office of the Prime Minister of India, that is responsible for the decision to carry out a nuclear attack.
Deep Dive with Abhinav Khare finds out if India will ever attack first.
It is highly unlikely as it may fuel an arms race which may risk the safety of both the countries. Though both the Balakot and Pulwama strikes demonstrate that the present government does not feel coy in undertaking strong counter-terrorism measures. But if there is another terrorist attack which may have any links with Pakistan, this entire theory might be tested. What we are unclear till now is how high could this nuclear threat go?
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Nuclear weapons are just deterrent weapons: they act as more strategic and tactical weapons than used for actual war. Nuclear wars lead to Mutually Assured Destruction. We as a country are far more superior than Pakistan and thus should refuse any provocation that comes their way as a nuclear war has the capacity to wipe out the entire world.
About Abhinav Khare
Abhinav Khare is the CEO of AsiaNetNews Network and also the host of a daily show named Deep Dive with AK. AsiaNetNews is a leading media group of south India with highly valuable brands like AsiaNetNews, Suvarna News, Kannada Prabha, IndigoMusic, Indigo Radio, MyNation, NewsFast, IndigoXP Music lounges.
He is a proud father of two beautiful daughters and resides in Bengaluru with his loving family and a lifetime collection of books and gadgets. An avid traveller, he has already pinged more than hundred cities from 5 major continents around the globe.
A tech entrepreneur, who is passionate about policy, technology, economy and philosophy from ancient India. His favourite pastime is to research synergy between these facets of society. He earned his qualifications from the top 10 global universities; an MS Engineering from the ETH Zurich and an MBA Finance from the London Business School.
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