Meaning
India’s No First Use (NFU) doctrine commits that India will not initiate a nuclear strike and will use nuclear weapons only in retaliation to a nuclear attack on Indian territory or Indian forces.
Origin and Status
- Formally articulated in India’s Nuclear Doctrine (2003)
- Continues to remain the official nuclear posture of India
- Anchored in the idea of restraint, deterrence, and responsible nuclear behaviour
Core Principles of NFU
- Nuclear weapons are political deterrents, not war-fighting tools
- First use of nuclear weapons is renounced under all normal circumstances
- Retaliation, if required, will be massive and punitive, aimed at inflicting unacceptable damage
NFU and Retaliatory Use
- Nuclear retaliation is assured if India is attacked with nuclear weapons
- Doctrine retains strategic ambiguity by allowing nuclear retaliation in case of chemical or biological weapons attacks on India or its forces
Relationship with Credible Minimum Deterrence
- NFU operates alongside the principle of Credible Minimum Deterrence
- India maintains:
- Sufficient nuclear forces for deterrence
- Survivable second-strike capability
- Operational readiness without engaging in arms race
Command and Control
- Decision to use nuclear weapons lies solely with political leadership
- Civilian control is exercised through a structured command-and-control mechanism
- Emphasis on preventing unauthorized or accidental use
Strategic Significance
- Reinforces India’s image as a responsible nuclear power
- Reduces risks of miscalculation and escalation
- Strengthens India’s moral and diplomatic position on global nuclear disarmament
- Distinguishes India’s posture from first-use doctrines of some nuclear states
Debates and Challenges
- Changing security environment with China and Pakistan
- Emergence of tactical nuclear weapons in the region
- Technological advances like missile defence systems
- Ongoing debate on whether NFU limits strategic flexibility
India’s Official Position
- Despite internal debates, NFU remains unchanged
- India reiterates commitment to restraint, deterrence, and stability
- Any future change, if at all, would be political, not automatic
India’s No First Use doctrine reflects a balance between strength and restraint, ensuring national security through deterrence while avoiding nuclear escalation and reinforcing global strategic stability.
