India reiterates no first use of nuclear weapons

India on Saturday reiterated its nuclear doctrine of “No First Use” against nuclear weapon states and non-use against nonnuclear weapon states. India also reiterated its “long-standing and unwavering commitment to universal, verifiable and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament leading to the complete elimination of nuclear weapons”.

New Delhi’s position was reiterated by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla at the “Highlevel meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons”.

India’s reiteration of its nuclear doctrine is significant, as it comes at a time when the armed forces are on alert at the borders, both at the LoC with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, and also in readiness for any contingency to face a “two-front war”, an euphemism for a hypothetical Sino-Pakistani joint attack on India. Both these neighbours also possess nuclear weapons.

Shringla said, “India espouses the policy of “No First Use” against nuclear weapon states and nonuse against non-nuclear weapon states. India reiterates its unwavering commitment to universal, verifiable and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament leading to the complete elimination of nuclear weapons, in line with the Final Document of the First Special Session of the UNGA on disarmament.” He added, “We believe that nuclear disarmament can be achieved through a stepby-step process underwritten by a universal commitment and an multilateral framework.”

INDIA’S REITERATION of its nuclear doctrine is significant, as it comes at a time when the armed forces are on alert at the borders, both at the LoC with Pakistan and the LAC with China.