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India's Nuclear Policy. By Bharat Karnad. Westport, Conn.: Praeger Security International, 2008. ISBN 978-0-275-99945-2. Notes. Index. Pp. xi, 221. $49.95.
Bharat Karnad, one of India's leading strategic thinkers, presents a thoughtful and provocative argument challenging the view that India's growing nuclear arsenal contributes to instability in South Asia. In his view, India's development of a nuclear force that is credible, effective, and survivable ("credible minimum deterrence") is essential for it to remain a moderate and responsible state and to become a valuable counterweight to China.
Karnad's description of the evolution of India's nuclear program underscores how the nation developed its weapons autonomously, but firmly integrated its strategic thinking with the prevaling theories of nuclear warfare. He discusses how leading powers have recendy modernized arsenals and confirmed policies on the use of nuclear weapons. By Unking India's strategy and posture to those of the top tier of nuclear weapons states, Karnad argues that India deserves to be considered a responsible power rather...