Russia’s nuclear weapons policy has been updated by its President Vladimir Putin.

About The New Doctrine

• Background: Russia’s updated nuclear doctrine comes in the wake of its war with Ukraine where recently Ukraine has fired US-supplied ATACMS missiles into Russia for the first time in the war.
  • The Biden administration of USA has allowed Ukraine to use Long range American weapons for limited strikes against Russia.
• Aimed At: The updates expand the number of countries and coalitions, and the kinds of military threats, subject to a possible nuclear response.
• Scenarios Under which Moscow would Consider a Nuclear Response: 
  • Nuclear Deterrence:  Any aggression against Russia by a non-nuclear state that is carried out with the participation or support of a nuclear state will be considered a joint attack.
  • Large scale Attack: If Russia perceives the launch of a massive cross-border air attack on it using planes, missiles and drones. 
  • Expanding Nuclear Umbrella: Russia has officially placed close ally Belarus under its nuclear umbrella. 
  • In Response to a Conventional Attack: Nuclear weapons may be used in the event of a conventional attack also that “creates a critical threat to sovereignty or territorial integrity”. 
  • Military Coalitions against Russia: If military coalitions (new or existing) move enemy military infrastructure closer to Russia’s borders and plans to carry out large-scale military exercises near Russia’s borders.

About Nuclear Doctrine

• Nuclear doctrines elucidate the goals and missions that will guide the deployment and use of nuclear weapons by a country both during peace and war by determining each Nuclear Weapon States’ (NWS) force structure, declaratory policy and diplomacy.
• Goals of Nuclear Doctrine: It mainly includes deterrence, target destruction, assurance of allies, and a hedge against an uncertain future. 

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India’s Nuclear Doctrine

• India declared itself to officially possess nuclear weapons in 1998 when it conducted a series of nuclear test at Pokhran, Rajasthan.
• Establishment: India released its official nuclear doctrine in 2003 based on a 1999 draft report by National Security Advisory Board headed by nuclear strategist K Subrahmanyam.
• Authorisation: Nuclear retaliatory attacks can only be authorised by the civilian political leadership through the Nuclear Command Authority.
  • The Nuclear Command Authority: It comprises of a Political Council and an Executive Council. 
    • The Political Council: It is chaired by the Prime Minister and is the sole body to authorize the use of nuclear weapons.
    • The Executive Council: It is chaired by the National Security Advisor and executes the directives given to it by the Political Council.
• Pillars:
  • Credible Deterrance: Maintaining Nuclear Weapons stock is only for building and maintaining a credible minimum deterrence.
  • No First Use Principle: Nuclear weapons will only be used in retaliation against a nuclear attack on Indian territory or on Indian forces anywhere and Non-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states
    • Exception: In the event of a major attack against India, or Indian forces anywhere, by biological or chemical weapons, India will retain the option of retaliating with nuclear weapons.
  • Nuclear Retaliation: A Nuclear Retaliation would be massive to a first strike and designed to inflict unbearable and  unacceptable damage.
  • Nuclear Disarmament: India is committed to the goal of a nuclear weapon free world, through global, verifiable and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament.
  • Committed to Non Proliferation: A  moratorium on nuclear tests, continuance of strict controls on export of nuclear and missile related materials and technologies and participation in the Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty negotiations.

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