Abstract
India’s “minimum credible nuclear deterrence” doctrine and “no first use” policy are based on the concept of deterrence by denial, rather than deterrence by punishment. Should deterrence ever break down, India will have to pay an. enormous, price for a nuclear first strike by an adversary before launching massive‐punitive retaliation. Nuclear doctrine has to be ultimately tested in the crucible of operational reality. Across the entire, spectrum of conventional conflict, the first use of nuclear weapons by India does not make sound strategic sense. The real distinguishing feature of India’s nuclear doctrine is that it is anchored in India’s continued commitment to global, verifiable and non‐discriminating nuclear disarmament.