Unclear doctrine: On ‘No First Use’ nuclear policy

The long term used ‘No First Use’ policy by India, which has been a cornerstone for its nuclear weapons policy, came in the news with the Defence Minister’s comment that it will be open for change in future. 

What is ‘No First Use’ policy?

• It is a pledge for not using nuclear weapons as a means of warfare unless it is used by the rival country first.
• India in 1998, after Pokhran Test II, has adopted a ‘No First Policy’, ensuring the whole world that the arsenals acquired newly, will only be used as a deterrent as a ‘self-defensive’ nature of the country.
• The NFU doctrine was formally adopted since January 4, 2003. 

Features of Indian NFU Nuclear Weapons Policy:   

• India will not be using any nuclear weapons against any non-nuclear powered states.
• India will strictly control the export of any nuclear and missile-related materials and technologies.
• The retaliation attacks on any rival country would be decided under the authority of the Prime Minister as the highest civilian political leader.
• India will participate in the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty negotiations over a period of time and will continue to observe the moratorium on nuclear tests. 
• India will follow the global, verifiable and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament committing itself for the goal of a nuclear-weapons-free world.