ABSTRACT
Decision-making in a nuclear environment demands the utmost coherence, rationality and efficiency. Pressure grew to enhance the country's nuclear and conventional forces in order to provide a visibly effective means of surviving a nuclear first strike, and to ensure a punitive response. According to India's Department of Atomic Energy and Defence Research and Development Organisation, the country's first test, on 11 May, involved the simultaneous detonation of a fission device with a yield of about 12 kilotons; a thermonuclear device of about 43kt; and a sub-kiloton device. Official Indian statements about doctrine have been sketchy, and it is likely that little thought was given to the issue before the tests took place. Statements by both India and Pakistan suggested that each was aiming for a policy of minimum deterrence. India's declaration of a no-first-use policy in July 1998 is of limited significance. It has not been underpinned by any legal obligation and, if circumstances warranted, could simply be ignored.
