Two American nuclear experts have claimed that India is modernising its atomic arsenal keeping China’s nuclear strategy in mind. India, whose main focus has been Pakistan for many years, has recently put a major emphasis on China. As per two nuclear experts Hans M Kristensen and Robert S Norris, India is in the process of developing a missile which can target the China from its bases which are in South India. As estimated by the two nuclear experts, New Delhi operates seven nuclear-capable systems: four land-based ballistic missiles, two aircraft and one sea-based ballistic missile.
“At least four more systems are in development. The development program is in a dynamic phase, with long-range land-and sea-based missiles emerging for possible deployment within the next decade,” the report by the two nuclear experts said.
In their research article – “Indian nuclear forces 2017” – Kristensen and Norris have stated that India has produced approximately 600 kilograms of weapons-grade plutonium, sufficient for 150-200 nuclear warheads. However, the entire material has not been converted into nuclear warheads. Though it is expected that 120-130 nuclear warheads have been produced.
As per a report in PTI, the two American nuclear experts have claimed that India, whose main focus has been Pakistan for many years, is now shifting its focus towards China.
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“While India has traditionally been focused on deterring Pakistan, its nuclear modernisation indicates that it is putting increased emphasis on its future strategic relationship with China”. The article was published in the July-August edition of the digital journal ‘After Midnight’.
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“That adjustment will result in significantly new capabilities being deployed over the next decade that may influence how India views nuclear weapons’ role against Pakistan,” the article added.
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