He who rides a Tiger: The rationale of India's nuclear tests

Abstract

Although India is not a signatory to the nuclear nonproliferation treaty and, in fact, had exploded a nuclear device as early as in 1974, India committed arguably the most provocative act of defiance against the nonproliferation regime by exploding five nuclear devices in May 1998. Soon thereafter similar tests were conducted by Pakistan. However, the United States and its allies were, understandably, more shocked by the Indian tests and blamed India for escalating tensions. Unprecedented economic sanctions since have been imposed against both India and Pakistan. Why did India undertake these tests and at this time? Did domestic political factors play any role? Is there a credible nuclear doctrine that will govern India? What is the role of nuclear weapons in India's overall military strategy? Will India now choose to abide by the comprehensive test ban treaty? The future of South Asia's peace and, indeed, that of the world hinge on the answers to these and related questions. An attempt has been made in this article to understand the genesis of the Indian decision making for these tests and find answers to some of these questions. Some comments on how, from an Indian point of view, the United States may assist in the build‐up of a durable peace in South Asia also have been offered.