Implications of Indian Tactical Nuclear Weapons for South Asia Deterrence

Abstract

Objective: India’s new government plans to conduct a review of its nuclear policy, and it is reasonable to assume that the Modi administration will seek to improve India’s overall defense strategy and management, which has frustrated Indian military and strategic communities for some time. This project will identify and analyze the options under consideration by Indian decision makers in terms of nuclear capabilities and doctrine. In particular, CEIP will examine the factors that India will have to consider in deciding whether or not to develop battlefield nuclear weapons as it seeks to provide more symmetric and flexible options for countering Pakistan’s development and potential use of theater nuclear weapons.