Nuclear Doctrine 2003

India adopted a nuclear doctrine in 2003 with eight components that combine deterrence, non-use and non-proliferation:

(1) Building and maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent;

(2) No first use of nuclear weapons;

(3) Nuclear retaliation to a first strike will be massive and designed to inflict unacceptable damage;

(4) Nuclear retaliation will be authorized by civilian political leadership through the Nuclear Command Authority;

(5) Non-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapons states;

(6) In the event of a major attack by biological or chemical weapons, it will have the option of retaliating with nuclear weapons;

(7) Continuance of strict control on export of nuclear and missile related materials and technologies, participation in the Fissile Material Treaty negotiations and continued observance of the moratorium on nuclear tests; and

(8) Continued commitment to the goal of a nuclear-free world, through global, verifiable and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament.