NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Supreme Court Of India
    Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI)
    Indian Army
    Indian Railways
    Indian Air Force
    NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout


    India Business World Politics Sports Technology Entertainment Auto Lifestyle Inspirational Career Bengaluru Delhi Mumbai Visual Stories Find Cricket Statistics Phones Reviews Fitness Bands Reviews Speakers Reviews

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
     
    Home / News / India News / India's 'No First Use' Nuclear policy could change, hints Rajnath
    India

    India's 'No First Use' Nuclear policy could change, hints Rajnath

    India's 'No First Use' Nuclear policy could change, hints Rajnath
    Written by Shalini Ojha
    Aug 16, 2019, 02:54 pm 3 min read
    India's 'No First Use' Nuclear policy could change, hints Rajnath

    In an unexpected turn of events, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday hinted that India might change its nuclear policy, which prohibits it from using the dangerous weapon first on the enemy during war. Rajnath made the remarks at Pokhran, Rajasthan, where India conducted two nuclear tests. Notably, his comments come at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan are soaring high.

    What happens in future will depend on circumstances: Rajnath

    On his visit to Pokhran, Rajnath paid tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who passed away on August 16, 2018. Vajpayee was the PM when India successfully conducted nuclear tests in 1998. Rajnath said Vajpayee was committed to making India a nuclear power. "Till today, our nuclear policy is 'No First Use'. What happens in the future depends on the circumstances," he said.

    The nation will remain indebted to Atal Ji: Rajnath

    India attaining the status of a responsible nuclear nation became a matter of national pride for every citizen of this country. The nation will remain indebted to the greatness of Atal Ji.

    — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 16, 2019

    What is India's nuclear policy?

    Notably, India adopted the "No First use" policy after Pokhran II tests. In 1999, the Indian government released a doctrine which specified that nuclear weapons would be used only for retaliation. The document maintains that India "will not be the first to initiate a nuclear first strike, but will respond with punitive retaliation should deterrence fail". Further, India can't use weapons against non-nuclear states.

    A bit about India's nuclear tests

    India successfully conducted the first nuclear bomb test on 18 May 1974, when Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister. With this test, India became the world's sixth nuclear power after the United States, Soviet Union, Britain, France, and China. In 1998, India conducted Pokhran-II tests between May 11 and 13. Notably, Pokhran-II tests consisted of five detonations, one fusion bomb, and four fission bombs.

    Years ago, Modi spoke highly of NFU policy

    In the run-up for 2014 elections, Narendra Modi, who was the prime ministerial candidate then, had maintained that India should follow the NFU policy. "No first use was a great initiative of Atal Bihari Vajpayee - there is no compromise on that," he had said. However, in recent years, questions have been raised on the policy, with many believing that it unnecessarily puts restrictions on India.

    Why should I bind myself, Parrikar had asked

    In 2016, late Manohar Parrikar, who was the Defense Minister between 2014 and 2017, asked why should India restrict itself. "Why a lot of people say that India has No First Use policy. Why should I bind myself to a... I should say I am a responsible nuclear power and I will not use it irresponsibly. This is my thinking," Parrikar had said.

    Share this timeline
    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Rajasthan
    Rajnath Singh

    Rajasthan

    Pehlu Khan lynching case: Rajasthan court acquits all six accused India
    Rajasthan: Policemen gangraped Dalit woman, plucked her nails with screwdriver Crime Against Women
    Jaipur rape accused, a psychopath with history of crime, arrested Jaipur
    Done with hills? Here are five National parks near Delhi India

    Rajnath Singh

    Arun Jaitley admitted to AIIMS; Modi, Shah pay a visit Narendra Modi
    Pranab Da gets Bharat Ratna, Gandhis skip event. But why? India
    What India expects from Modi 2.0? India
    Nadda appointed as BJP Working President, Shah to remain chief Amit Shah

    Love India News?

    Subscribe to stay updated.

    India Thumbnail
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2023