Common people often have many questions in their minds regarding nuclear weapons. The biggest question is who has the real control over these weapons in India. Can the Prime Minister, if he wishes, single-handedly order a nuclear attack or is there any fixed procedure and rules for this? To understand the answers to these questions, it is important to know India’s nuclear policy and command system.
According to the report of The Nuclear Threat Initiative, India is among the few countries which have nuclear weapons, but India has always made it clear that these weapons are not for aggression but for security. India believes that nuclear power should not be used to create fear, but to maintain peace. Due to this thinking, India has made its nuclear policy quite balanced and responsible. India has a total of 180 nuclear weapons.
What does no first use policy mean?
India’s most important nuclear policy is No First Use. This simply means that India will never launch a nuclear attack on any country first. Unless there is a nuclear attack on India, it will not use these weapons. Through this policy, India gives a message to the world that its power is for protection, not for destruction.
Is a nuclear attack possible with just the push of a button?
It is often shown in films that a leader sitting in a room presses a button and a nuclear attack occurs. The reality is completely different from this. Launching a nuclear weapon in real life is a very complex and lengthy process. This process involves several levels of verification, validation and approval. Nothing like this can be done by one person or one order.
Who has ultimate control of nuclear weapons in India?
In India, every decision related to nuclear weapons is taken under the Nuclear Command Authority. This is the highest institution of the country, which decides on nuclear policy and use of weapons. This authority has two main parts. The first part is the Political Council, whose chairman is the Prime Minister himself. This council gives final approval at the political level. The second part is the Executive Council, which is headed by the National Security Advisor. This council looks at technical, military and strategic aspects. Use of nuclear weapons is not possible without the consent and prescribed procedure at both levels.
Can the Prime Minister single-handedly order a nuclear attack?
The Prime Minister is definitely the head of the Government of India, but he alone cannot take decisions in the matter of nuclear weapons. They have to follow the entire system and constitutional process of the Nuclear Command Authority. This system has been deliberately designed so that hasty, emotional or one-sided decisions cannot be taken under any circumstances.
Why is India’s nuclear system considered different in the world?
India’s nuclear policy is considered special because it involves responsibility along with power. The policy of no first strike, collective decision system and strong command structure make India a reliable nuclear nation. This is the reason why India is seen on the international stage as a balanced and responsible nuclear power, which uses force only as a last resort.
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