India’s Nuclear Minimalism: Looking Through the Smokescreen

Abstract

Nuclear minimalism calls for a limited utility of nuclear weapons as objects of ensuring security. It is a concept not commonly debated. However, it has remained an important part of India’s strategic thought and the country continues to struggle with maintaining a balance between the concept and its increasing nuclear ambitions. In fact, New Delhi’s rapid strategic developments prove that nuclear minimalism has been used as a smokescreen to allow it to pursue these developments. This article seeks to understand the contours of India’s nuclear doctrine through the prism of nuclear minimalism and its (in)efficacy in keeping nuclear expansion in check.