New Delhi, January 9
The National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) has reportedly urged the government to review its no-first-use nuclear policy in the light of the history over the past four years.
The government, while announcing the setting up of a nuclear control and command structure with the Prime Minister holding the authority, had reiterated the country’s stand on the no-first-use policy but — for the first time — said it would not hesitate in the use of nuclear weapons even when attacked with chemical and biological weapons.
The board, in its final report, has recommended that India might consider withdrawing from this commitment as the other nuclear weapons nations had not accepted this policy.
The NSAB submitted its final report, the National Security Review, to National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra on December 20. Former Ambassador to China C.V.
Ranganathan, convener of the 15-member board, presented the report which reviews India’s internal and external security concerns and recommends short and long-term measures to strengthen the country’s security.
While pointing out that the military will always remain in power in Pakistan, the board says India should overturn the policy.
