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India's nuclear journey has been fraught with challenges, international isolation, and eventual recognition as a responsible nuclear power.
The inception of India's nuclear program can be traced back to the visionary physicist Homi Bhabha, who convinced Prime Minister Nehru to invest in nuclear technology despite international reservations.
This led to India's first Peaceful Nuclear Explosion (PNE) in Pokhran in 1974, a significant achievement that triggered international backlash. The IAEA, major world powers, and even some fuel suppliers distanced themselves from India due to concerns about nuclear proliferation.
By the late 1990s, growing security concerns pushed India to conduct further nuclear tests in 1998. This resulted in further isolation and exclusion from crucial nuclear groups like the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
However, India responded by formulating a distinct nuclear doctrine, which emphasized "No First Use," meaning it would only retaliate with nuclear weapons if another nuclear state initiated a strike.
This doctrine, rooted in the principles of necessity and proportionality, contrasts with Pakistan's "Full Spectrum Deterrence" policy, which allows for the potential first use of nuclear weapons under certain circumstances.
While estimates suggest India and Pakistan possess roughly the same number of warheads (around 150-160), Pakistan's arsenal is primarily focused on India, whereas India's nuclear capabilities consider both Pakistan and China, which has a significantly larger arsenal estimated at over 300 warheads.
India's strength lies in its sea-based nuclear deterrent, with the nuclear-powered submarine Arihant and a planned second platform. Additionally, its larger size provides a geographical advantage in dispersing its nuclear assets.
Over time, India's persistent diplomatic efforts have helped it emerge from isolation. It is now a recognized nuclear power, gets NSG waiver, and has bilateral nuclear agreements with several countries, including all major nuclear powers except China.