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Context:

The Russian President signed an updated nuclear doctrine declaring that any conventional attack on Russia supported by a nuclear power will be considered a joint attack on his country.

New Russian Nuclear Doctrine

The new Russian nuclear doctrine signed by President Vladimir Putin declares that any massive attack on Russia may result in a nuclear response.

Why Russia adopted a new nuclear doctrine?

The new doctrine was signed in response to US President Joe Biden's decision to allow Ukraine to use longer-range missiles supplied by the US to strike targets inside Russia, the doctrine was updated to reflect the current geopolitical situation.

What are the key elements of the revised nuclear doctrine?

Joint Attack Consideration: According to the doctrine, a non-nuclear power attacking Russia with the assistance of a nuclear power will be considered to have launched a joint attack on Russia.

Nuclear Response Triggers: If a conventional or nuclear attack threatens Russia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, especially against Russia or its ally Belarus, Russia may respond with nuclear weapons.

Aggression by Military Blocs: As per the doctrine, if a member of a military bloc or coalition (with NATO specifically mentioned) attacks Russia, the bloc as a whole will consider that to be aggression.

Broader Triggers for Nuclear Use: The doctrine broadens the range of situations in which Russia may respond with nuclear weapons, such as in the event of a massive air attack involving aircraft, drones, ballistic and cruise missiles, and other flying vehicles.

India's nuclear doctrine

India's nuclear doctrine is a set of principles that govern the country's nuclear weapons policy. The doctrine was established in 2003 and consists of the following key features:

India will not use nuclear weapons unless it is first attacked with nuclear weapons.
In response to a nuclear attack, India will launch a massive retaliation that causes unacceptable damage to the attacker.
The Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) headed by the Prime Minister authorizes nuclear retaliatory attacks.
India will strictly regulate the export of nuclear and missile materials and technologies.
India to focus on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
India to work toward a world without nuclear weapons.

Must Read Articles:

INDIA’S NUCLEAR DOCTRINE

NUCLEAR WEAPONS RACE

Source:

The Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements in the context of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW):

1. It is the first legally binding international agreement to completely prohibit nuclear weapons.

2. India has not signed the treaty because it considers it discriminatory.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct:

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), also known as the Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty, is the first legally binding international agreement to completely prohibit nuclear weapons, with the ultimate goal of eliminating them. It was adopted in July 2017 and came into force in 2021.

Statement 2 is correct:

India has not signed or ratified the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). It considers the TPNW discriminatory and unfavorable to its interests. India did not take part in the TPNW negotiations. It supports disarmament, but prefers a more balanced global framework.