The concept of ‘credible minimum deterrent’ relates to which of the following types of weapons ?

Correct option is C

The concept of ‘credible minimum deterrent’ is primarily associated with nuclear weapons. It refers to the strategy of maintaining a minimal, but effective, nuclear arsenal capable of inflicting unacceptable damage in retaliation to a nuclear attack. The key idea behind this deterrent is to have just enough nuclear weapons to make it clear to an adversary that any nuclear aggression would result in massive retaliation, thereby deterring them from attacking in the first place. This strategy is based on the assumption that a smaller, credible nuclear arsenal can still provide effective deterrence, without the need for an overwhelming nuclear force.

Information Booster

• Chemical Weapons: While chemical weapons are a form of weapon of mass destruction, the concept of ‘credible minimum deterrent’ is not typically applied to chemical weapons. Chemical weapons are banned under international law due to their devastating humanitarian effects.
• Biological Weapons: Biological weapons involve the use of pathogens (such as viruses or bacteria) to harm or kill. Like chemical weapons, biological weapons are subject to international restrictions under conventions such as the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), and the concept of 'credible minimum deterrent' is not applied to them in the same way as nuclear weapons.
• Space-based Weapons: Space-based weapons refer to weapons stationed in space, such as anti-satellite systems or space-based missile defense systems. The concept of ‘credible minimum deterrent’ does not typically apply to space-based weapons, as this concept is traditionally associated with nuclear deterrence.

Additional Information

India's Nuclear Policy: A Brief Overview

India's nuclear policy is built on a foundation of strategic security concerns, international diplomacy, and the desire to maintain a minimum deterrent capability. Over the years, India has made deliberate choices regarding the development, deployment, and use of nuclear weapons. Here are the key aspects of India's nuclear policy:

1. No First Use (NFU) Policy

One of the most distinguishing features of India's nuclear doctrine is its No First Use (NFU) policy. This means that India pledges not to use nuclear weapons unless first attacked by an adversary using nuclear weapons. This policy reflects India's commitment to the idea of nuclear weapons as a deterrent and not as an offensive tool. It highlights India's stance on nuclear weapons being strictly for defense and not for initiating conflict.

2. Credible Minimum Deterrence (CMD)

India's nuclear policy is based on the concept of credible minimum deterrence. This implies that India would maintain a nuclear arsenal that is sufficient to deter nuclear threats from adversaries but not engage in a nuclear arms race. The idea is to have a small yet effective nuclear arsenal capable of inflicting unacceptable damage in the event of a nuclear attack, thus deterring any potential aggressor from using nuclear weapons against India.

3. No First Use and Retaliation Policy

India’s nuclear strategy is primarily defensive, emphasizing retaliation if attacked with nuclear weapons. India’s nuclear forces are designed to be survivable and capable of a second strike after a first nuclear attack, ensuring that any adversary understands the consequences of nuclear aggression.

4. Civilian and Military Separation

India maintains a clear distinction between its civilian and military nuclear programs. India’s civilian nuclear program focuses on nuclear energy generation, and its military program is oriented towards maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent. While India has not signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), it has adhered to a policy of nuclear restraint, refraining from the weaponization of nuclear energy for non-peaceful purposes.

5. Development of Nuclear Triad

India has worked towards establishing a nuclear triad, which involves the capability to launch nuclear weapons from land-based missile systems, submarines (sea-based), and aircraft. The development of the K-15 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) and the Agni missile series has bolstered India’s nuclear deterrence capability, ensuring that India has a reliable second-strike capability, which is a core tenet of its nuclear strategy.

6. Strategic Autonomy

India’s nuclear policy is grounded in the principle of strategic autonomy. India does not want to rely on any external power for its security and thus seeks to maintain an independent nuclear deterrence capability. India's stance on nuclear weapons has evolved with the changing geopolitical environment, but it has remained committed to safeguarding its national security.

7. Support for Global Nuclear Disarmament

While India maintains a nuclear deterrent, it has consistently advocated for global nuclear disarmament. India has been critical of the nuclear weapons states' failure to fulfill their disarmament obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). India believes that the world should eventually move towards a nuclear-free world, but in the current security environment, it maintains its own nuclear weapons for defense.

8. International Engagement

India's nuclear policy has been shaped by international factors, including its relations with key powers like the United States, China, and Pakistan. In 2008, the U.S.-India Nuclear Deal allowed India to access civilian nuclear technology and materials despite not being a signatory to the NPT. India’s nuclear program is seen as a peaceful nuclear deterrent that enhances the country’s global status while ensuring regional security.

9. Pakistan and China

India's nuclear policy is also heavily influenced by the nuclear capabilities of Pakistan and China. India perceives its nuclear deterrence policy as crucial for countering the threats posed by its neighboring countries. In response to Pakistan’s nuclear program, India emphasizes the strategic balance in the region. Additionally, China's growing nuclear arsenal and strategic ambitions have been key factors in India’s nuclear policy formulation.

10. India's Nuclear Doctrine

India's nuclear doctrine was formally articulated by the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) in 2003, which laid down the framework for India's nuclear strategy. The doctrine emphasizes:

• Minimum deterrence and credible second-strike capability.
• No First Use (NFU) policy.
• Launch-on-warning and the ability to retaliate effectively against nuclear aggression.
• Deterrence stability in South Asia, where India’s nuclear posture is seen as a stabilizing factor.