This document examines the historical development of India's nuclear weapons program from the 1940s to present day. It discusses the geopolitical factors that led India to pursue nuclear weapons, such as the 1962 Sino-Indian War and 1964 Chinese nuclear test. Key events included India's first nuclear test in 1974 and tests in 1998 that confirmed it as a nuclear state. The document also analyzes India's nuclear doctrine of no first use and minimum credible deterrence, as well as the implications for regional security and global non-proliferation efforts.
2. ABSTRACT
This research paper provides an in-depth examination of the development of
Nuclear weapons in India. It traces the historical, geopolitical, and technological factors that
Led to India’s decision to develop a nuclear arsenal and the subsequent implications for
Regional and global security. The paper also discusses India’s nuclear doctrine and its stance
On disarmament, emphasizing the significance of this case study in the context of non-
Proliferation efforts. The study sheds light on the similarities and distinctions between India’s
Nuclear journey and those of other countries, offering insights into the broader context of
Nuclear proliferation.
Keywords: geopolitical, disarmament, nuclear doctrine, proliferation efforts
3. I. INTRODUCTION
The development of nuclear weapons in India is a complex and significant
chapter in
the history of nuclear proliferation. This paper explores the historical and
geopolitical factors
that influenced India's pursuit of nuclear weapons and the subsequent impact
on regional and
global security.
4. II. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
1. Early Interest in Nuclear Technology
India's interest in nuclear technology dates back to its post-independence
period in the
late 1940s. The establishment of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
and the Atomic
Energy Commission marked India's early engagement in nuclear research.
5. 2. Influence of the Cold War
During the Cold War, India's non-aligned foreign policy allowed it to seek assistance
from both the United States and the Soviet Union for its civilian nuclear program.
However,
international events, such as the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the 1964 Chinese
nuclear test,
raised concerns within India about its national security.
The 1974 Pokhran Test
In 1974, India conducted its first successful nuclear test at the Pokhran Test Range,
codenamed "Smiling Buddha." This marked India's entry into the list of countries
with
nuclear weapons, which led to international condemnation and concerns about
nuclear proliferation
6.
7. III. NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION
TREATY (NPT)
India's refusal to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and its
commitment to a
policy of "peaceful nuclear explosions" further complicated its international
relationships.
In 1998, India conducted a series of nuclear tests at the same Pokhran Test
Range,
codenamed "Operation Shakti." These tests elevated India to the status of a
declared nuclear-
armed state and resulted in global reactions and sanctions.
8. IV. India's Nuclear Doctrine
1.No First Use(NFU)
India's nuclear doctrine, as articulated in its Draft Nuclear Doctrine of 1999,
includes
a commitment to a "No First Use" policy, stating that nuclear weapons will
only be used in reliation.
2. Minimum Credible Deterrence
India's nuclear posture is based on the concept of "Minimum Credible
Deterrence,"
focusing on maintaining a nuclear arsenal that is just sufficient to deter
potential adversaries.
9. V. Regional and Global Implications
1. South Asian Nuclear Landscape
India's nuclear development has had significant repercussions in South Asia, leading
to an arms race with neighboring Pakistan and increasing regional instability.
2. Non-Proliferation Regime
India's nuclear tests challenged the global non-proliferation regime, highlighting the
limitations of the NPT and raising questions about its efficacy.
3. India's Stance on Disarmament
Despite its nuclear arsenal, India remains committed to global disarmament efforts
and has called for a nuclear weapons-free world, advocating for meaningful disarmament
measures on the international stage.
The development of nuclear weapons in India is a multifaceted story shaped by
historical, geopolitical, and security considerations. India's nuclear journey, marked by the
1974 and 1998 tests, has had significant implications for regional and global security. Its
nuclear doctrine, commitment to no first use, and advocacy for disarmament underscore the
complexity of India's position in the global nuclear order. This case study serves as an
essential component in the ongoing discourse on nuclear proliferation and non-proliferation
efforts.
10. Conclusion
This comparative study highlights the complex interplay of historical, geopolitical,
and security factors that have influenced the development of nuclear weapons in India and
other world countries. While each nation's nuclear journey is unique, common themes of
security, deterrence, and regional dynamics emerge. Understanding these similarities and
differences is crucial for advancing global efforts toward nuclear disarmament and non-
proliferation in an increasingly complex international landscape.
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.our world in data
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.union of concerned scientists
.history channel