IGNOUMATIC

India’s disarmament policy has been shaped by its strategic and security concerns, as well as its desire for global peace and stability. While India has consistently advocated for nuclear disarmament and the reduction of conventional arms, its approach to disarmament has been shaped by its unique position as a non-signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its need to maintain credible defense deterrence.

1. Nuclear Disarmament and the NPT

India has been a vocal proponent of nuclear disarmament, advocating for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons in the long run. However, India has also rejected the NPT, arguing that it perpetuates inequality by recognizing only five states (the US, Russia, China, France, and the UK) as nuclear weapons states while denying the right to nuclear weapons to others. India’s disarmament policy has, therefore, been based on the idea that nuclear disarmament should be universal, multilateral, and non-discriminatory.

India’s stance on nuclear disarmament has been reflected in its participation in various forums, including the United Nations, where it has called for negotiations on nuclear disarmament, based on the principles of global security and equity. In 2006, India presented a proposal at the UN General Assembly for a global, verifiable, and non-discriminatory multilateral treaty for nuclear disarmament, underscoring the need for incremental and progressive steps towards the ultimate goal of nuclear weapons abolition.

2. India’s Nuclear Doctrine

While India has consistently called for nuclear disarmament, it also maintains a credible nuclear deterrent as part of its defense strategy. India’s nuclear doctrine, which was formalized in 2003, emphasizes no-first-use (NFU), a commitment not to use nuclear weapons first in any conflict, and a commitment to massive retaliation in case of a nuclear attack on India. This nuclear posture is intended to maintain peace and stability in the region by deterring nuclear aggression, while also ensuring that India remains a responsible nuclear power.

India’s nuclear policy is, therefore, a balancing act between promoting disarmament and ensuring national security. This dual approach reflects India’s strategic needs and its commitment to global peace.

3. Missile Defense and Conventional Disarmament

India also advocates for global efforts to limit the proliferation of conventional weapons. India’s defense policy has consistently supported conventional arms control measures, such as the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA) and the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). However, India has also been a proponent of strengthening its own defense capabilities, particularly in the face of regional security challenges.

India’s missile defense policy, which includes the development of indigenous systems like the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) and the Prithvi and Agni missiles, is viewed as a means to enhance India’s defense deterrence while also maintaining a responsible approach to arms control.

4. Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite its commitment to disarmament, India faces challenges in advancing its disarmament agenda due to geopolitical realities and security concerns. The continuing nuclear proliferation by states like Pakistan and China, as well as global resistance to the universalization of the NPT, complicate efforts for multilateral disarmament. India’s strategic partnership with the US, including the India-US nuclear deal, has allowed India to secure civilian nuclear cooperation and improve its energy security without compromising its disarmament goals.

As part of its disarmament policy, India is also committed to advancing peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and it has emphasized the importance of the peaceful atom in advancing development goals.