The Political Factor in Nuclear Retaliation

That a nuclear taboo exists indicates the divide between conventional and nuclear war. It is no wonder then that India – though a nuclear weapons power – deems nuclear weapons not for military use but for deterrence purposes. These are, therefore, taken as political weapons. Seeking to deter use of nuclear weapons against India or its forces anywhere, India’s nuclear doctrine promises ‘massive’ punitive retaliatory strike in case of nuclear use by its enemy. This is evidence that the Indian leadership is cognizant of the special status of nuclear weapons. It is for this reason that the political council of the Nuclear Command Authority, which is solely authorized to take decisions on nuclear employment, is headed by the prime minister. Its members comprise senior cabinet ministers holding the defence, finance, and home portfolios.