India’s Nuclear Policy Since 1998

This unique book examines India's nuclear policy in both the military and civilian sectors. It combines empirical research with a historical approach, and outlines a theoretical framework to address India's nuclear policy, covering international relations concepts such as nuclear brinkmanship, the stability-instability paradox, and defensive and offensive realism.

The author points to the problems of nuclear deterrence in South Asia, due to irrationality among politicians in India and Pakistan. Furthermore, India and Pakistan's concealment of their nuclear policies indicates instability. Both India and Pakistan have a distorted perception of the security crisis in South Asia.

India's nuclear civilian sector has a lengthy history of nuclear disasters. It violates international safety standards while operating nuclear facilities. Other difficulties, such as radiation leaks and displaced villages, pose significant challenges to India's nuclear industry. Due to a lack of fuel, India is having difficulty operating its nuclear units for dual usage. Despite not being a signatory to the NPT, it received a Nuclear Supplier Group waiver in 2008 to power its nuclear reactors.

The book will be of keen interest to students and researchers in international relations, global politics, South Asian politics, and nuclear safety issues, both military and civilian.