Deterrence, Assured Retaliation Capability- An Analysis on India’s Second-Strike Policy

Nuclear weapons are considered as the ultimate weapon to exist ever. The foreign policy of a country especially the nuclear policy of a country is considered vital in today's world scenario. Deterrence is the concept of using some form of punishment as a threat against offenders. Deterrence is using of threat against an offender to stop an attack. The concept of deterrence is very important as the strength of a nations deterrence policy determines the safety of the nation. If a nation has a weak deterrence policy then it is highly susceptible to being attacked. Certain countries follow the first use policy of nuclear weapons where a country can strike first with their nuclear weapons however in the case of certain countries second-strike policy is followed. Nuclear weapons can be used only after they've been attacked known as Assured Retaliate Capability. India is such country that practices second-strike capability with mutual assured destruction. India views the possession of nuclear weapons as an instrument of global politics. India does not aim to use these weapons however in case of an attack India will be ready to use it as an instrument of deterrence. Thus, India's nuclear doctrine is based on a sound deterrence p