Publication

This publication explores how India might revise its nuclear doctrine under the newly elected BJP government led by Narendra Modi. The possible revisions cluster around nine questions that need greater clarification. For example, how can India deter Pakistan from using nuclear weapons on its own soil? Should New Delhi use nuclear weapons to retaliate against biological or chemical weapons attacks? How would India’s nuclear strategy absorb the presence of a national missile defense capability? And will New Delhi ever join the NPT or CTBT? After exploring these questions and more, the text also looks at India's negotiations with Japan on civil nuclear cooperation and its possible consequences.