The program is a multifaceted instrument of statecraft, blending hard power with diplomatic nuance. 1998 Pokhran-II Completed the weaponization of the program, establishing full deterrence capability.
Compellence Failure: Lessons from India's Nuclear Deterrent in History
This recognition of India as a responsible nuclear power, despite not being a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, reflects a pragmatic shift in international geopolitics that acknowledges the country’s status. It is a permanent feature of the regional landscape, born from necessity and maintained through a continuous assessment of evolving threats and ambitions.
The Strategic Imperative of Nuclear Deterrence The primary driver behind India’s nuclear arsenal is the fundamental principle of deterrence, specifically the credible threat of massive retaliation. This dynamic creates a delicate balance, where the existence of nuclear weapons on both sides acts as a powerful, albeit risky, inhibitor of large-scale aggression and cross-border terrorism.
Compellence Failure and Lessons from India's Nuclear Deterrent in History
For a nation surrounded by historically complex relationships with China and Pakistan, the development and maintenance of a credible nuclear deterrent is viewed as a non-negotiable component of national sovereignty. While initially facing sanctions and isolation, New Delhi has successfully leveraged its program to negotiate civil nuclear deals with major powers.
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