Indian Nuclear Doctrine
Indian Nuclear Doctrine
Since Pokhran II in 1998 India has been in the eye of storm both at national and international levels. India exploded nuclear device for the first time as late as in 1974. But understandably India developed cold feet soon after the first explosion. However, in May 1998 India had the courage to go in for nuclear explosion device for the second time. One can very well understand motivated criticism of G-8 and N-5 powers. They would not tolerate the idea of India emerging as a nuclear power. Their criticism & advice in this regard is flagrant violation of India's sovereignty. But worse is the manner in which the opposition parties have accused the Govt of imperilling Indian security. Their complacent and parochial out look is realy regrettable. Let the spirit of unity and self respect prevail and guide the nation irrespective of political affiliations.
Those who are against India's nuclear status say that India is a poor country & cannot afford to spend Rs. 70,000 crore to acquire convincing nuclear deterrent. In their opinion Indian nuclear policy will trigger off nuclear race in the region. India will be subjected to economic sanctions by international financial institutions. As a result of economic sanctions & trade embargoes the cost of viable nuclear arsenal may rise to 70,000 crore over 30 years. The viable nuclear arsenal will comprise 400 nuclear weapons. Those against nuclear explosions advise that border dispute between India, China & Pakistan should be solved through negotiations. The use of nuclear weapons may bring about annihilation in the continent. More over India should prevail upon N-5 to adopt time bound programme for gradual elimination of nuclear weapons.
The foregoing arguments are not practicable in international politics. Security of Indian Borders has ever been a critical problem for the last 55 years. We are not in a position to send a signal of strength to our neighbours, big or small. Nuclear bomb is not only an effective deterrent but also is a symbol of strength for a nation of one hundred million people. As for economic aspect of nuclear bomb the cost of rupee 70,000 crore spaced over 30 years is of small concern when the question of national security comes up. If viewed properly even Rs 70,000 crore over 30 years will amount to only 0.7% of the G.N.P assuming that Indian economy grows at 7% per annum by 2030. Today China is in a position to dictate terms to America. We must learn from the hostile attitude of NATO powers to small nations in the world. The Security Council is a hand maid of the G-8 powers.
If we go into the history of non-proliferation treaty, it was signed in 1968 and came into force on March 5, 1970 with an original life of 25 years. It was designed to allow N-5 nations to keep nuclear arsenal increasing while forbid¬ding other nations to do so. NPT discourages other nations to go in for nuclear war heads. Ironically, when the time for the revision of NPT came, treaty was extended indefinitely on 17th April 1995. The status of N-5 power was maintained while non-nuclear powers were asked to sign Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. It implies that N-5 powers will continue nuclear explosion till eternity while others will not be allowed to do so.
In such conditions India cannot afford to sign the NPT as long as there are powers that consider it their birth right to keep their nuclear arsenal intact. If India had not exploded nuclear devices in May 1998, she would have played into the hands of nuclear weapon powers. China in Asia and America in Europe would have enjoyed hegemony. This is amusing that the nuclear powers want to keep to themselves the right of proliferation while forbidding the other nations to do. This was the only consideration for which Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty was designed for non-nuclear powers. It is sheer injustice to which India has not yielded in her own interest. Unmindful of the motivated criticism at home and abroad India declared Nuclear Doctrine in August by stating that India will develop :—
(a) Minimum nuclear deterrent
(b) No first use
(c) No use against non-nuclear powers.
(d) And commitment to the elimination of nuclear weapons from the world.
In view of the above Vajpayee Govt, deserves admiration for upholding the dignity of the nation in international arena.