The Hindu : India not to review no-first-use policy

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jan 14, 2003

National

National

India not to review no-first-use policy

By Our Special Correspondent

The Defence Minister, George Fernandes, taking the salute at the NCC Republic Day Camp 2003 in New Delhi on Monday. — Photo: V.V. Krishnan

NEW DELHI JAN. 13. India said today that it had no intention of reviewing its policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons.

"We have a nuclear doctrine. A nuclear and strategic force command chain in position. So we stand by the no-first-use policy," said the Defence Minister, George Fernandes.

The Government reiterated its "retaliation only" policy amid reports that the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) had asked it to review the "no-first-use" policy in light of the security politics in the subcontinent over the past four years. Reports said the third NSAB, in its final report submitted on December 20, wanted the Government to overturn the pre-Kargil conflict nuclear doctrine enunciated by the first NSAB.

Mr. Fernandes observation means that the Government still reposes faith in the doctrine which states that India will not be the first to initiate a nuclear strike but will respond with punitive retaliation should deterrence fail. This, despite an influential body of opinion which feels that New Delhi should change its policy due to the invidious nuclear policies of its neighbours. They range from first-use of nuclear weapons to using them against states which are non-nuclear or have not signed the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. Dwelling on his eight-day tour to Russia beginning tomorrow, Mr. Fernandes indicated that the long-drawn out process of procuring critically required military equipment was not expected to be concluded during his visit. India is chiefly seeking an aircraft carrier and nuclear capable submarines and bombers from Russia.

However, an equally important track that has engaged the Defence Ministry concerns spares for its huge fleet of Russian origin equipment in all the three services. The break-up of the Soviet Union had hit the supply of spares. As per its security policy, the then Soviet Union had dispersed its arms manufacturing units in various republics. The sole Russia-based company authorised to supply spares was unable to source them on a regular basis from factories that were now located in sovereign republics.Despite the intervention of the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, the irregular supply of spares has played havoc with overhauls, especially of planes and ships. India has tried to ensure timely delivery of spares and sub-systems through a number of devices but the key remains sourcing them from the original equipment manufacturers.

The team accompanying Mr. Fernandes is also expected to review the progress made on some other weapons and systems which were being tried prior to induction. They include Smerch multi-barrel rocket launchers, long-range air-to-air tactical missiles and frigates.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National