If Congress forms the government, will the atom bomb be eliminated? Know who has the country's 'nuclear power'

Nuclear Weapon Management in India

Nuclear weapons in India are primarily managed and operated by the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA). The NCA was established in 2003 and is the highest decision-making body on the command, control and operation of India's nuclear weapons.

The NCA is divided into two councils

1. Political Council: This council is chaired by the Prime Minister of India. It is the only body that can decide on the use of nuclear weapons.

2. Executive Council: This council is headed by the National Security Advisor (NSA). It provides inputs to the Political Council for decision making and implements the directions given by the Political Council.

The management and day-to-day operations of nuclear weapons are the responsibility of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), which works under the NSCA. The SFC is responsible for the deployment, maintenance and operational readiness of nuclear forces. That is, the NCA headed by the Prime Minister is the final authority to take decisions on nuclear weapons. However, the responsibility for actual management and operation lies with the SFC.

How many nuclear weapons does India currently have and which ones?

The 'Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists' published a report on India's nuclear weapons stockpile in 2022. It was estimated that India has at least 160 nuclear weapons that have the capability to attack from water, land and air. The report said that India is developing a three-tier delivery system for nuclear weapons, which includes air, land and sea launch systems.

Ground launch systems

India's various ground-launched systems include the Agni-I, Agni-II, Agni-III, Agni-IV and Agni-V. The Agni-V missile, which has a range of 5,000 kilometres, also covers China in its range.

Air launch systems

Mirage 2000H and Jaguar aircraft are also used for India's nuclear weapons. But, Jaguar aircraft are getting old and may be removed from service soon. India has purchased Rafale aircraft and they can be used for nuclear attacks.

Sea launch systems

India has two nuclear-powered submarines, INS Arihant and INS Arighat. These submarines are equipped with K-15 missiles. India is also building a new submarine, the S-5 class. This submarine will have eight missiles and can use the K-4 missile. The K-4 has a range of 3,500 kilometers and is capable of hitting targets in China.

If Congress comes to power, it will eliminate nuclear weapons… Why is this fear haunting PM Modi?

India's Nuclear Doctrine

India's nuclear policy is based on the policy of 'no first use'. However, India declared in 2003 that it could use nuclear weapons in response to a chemical or biological attack.

tension between india and pakistan

India's tension with China and Pakistan remains constant. Clashes occur frequently between the two countries and the threat of nuclear war always remains. The border dispute between India and China is a major cause of tension. There have been many clashes between the armies of the two countries on the border. China's rapid militarization is a matter of great concern for India. This is why India is increasing its nuclear capabilities.