India’s Nuclear Explosion and Domestic Politics

India’s Nuclear Policy

India’s nuclear policy is based on the principle of “no first use” of nuclear weapons and “retaliation only”. This means that India will only use nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack on its territory or its forces anywhere. India’s nuclear policy is also based on the principle of “credible minimum deterrence”, which means that India will maintain a nuclear arsenal that is sufficient to deter any potential adversary from launching a nuclear attack....

India’s Nuclear Explosion and Domestic Politics

India’s first nuclear explosion in May 1974 was a significant development in the country’s industrialization plans, initiated in the late 1940s under the guidance of Homi J. Bhabha. India aimed to generate atomic energy for peaceful purposes, but Nehru opposed nuclear weapons and pleaded for comprehensive nuclear disarmament. The nuclear arsenal continued to grow, and when Communist China conducted nuclear tests in 1964, the five nuclear weapon powers tried to impose the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) on the rest of the world....

Shifting Alliances in World Politics

In 1977, several non-Congress governments came to power, leading to significant changes in world politics. The Janata Party government announced non-alignment, aiming to correct the pro-Soviet tilt in foreign policy. Since then, all governments have focused on restoring relations with China and the US. India’s foreign policy is closely linked to its stance towards Pakistan and Indo-US relations. Post-1990, India’s foreign policy has shifted to a more pro-US strategy, influenced by economic interests rather than military ones. Indo-Pakistan relations have seen new developments, with efforts to restore normal relations and encourage cultural exchanges. However, a near-war situation emerged in 1999, requiring ongoing negotiations for durable peace....

Conclusion – Class 12 Political Science Chapter 4 India’s Nuclear Policy

In conclusion, India’s nuclear policy has been successful in deterring nuclear attack against India. It has also helped India to maintain its strategic autonomy and to play a leading role in international affairs. However, India’s nuclear policy has also been criticized. Some critics argue that India’s no first use policy is unrealistic and that India should be prepared to use nuclear weapons first in order to deter a nuclear attack. Others argue that India’s nuclear policy is too expensive and that India should focus on developing its conventional forces instead....

India’s Nuclear Policy- FAQs

What is the focus of Chapter 4 of Class 12 Political Science?...