Nuclear Issues

1. India Nuclear Policy
2. India Nuclear Program

Nuclear Issues

Gurmeet Kanwal, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Defense Studies and Analysis in New Delhi, writes that India's "minimum credible nuclear deterrence" and "no first use" policy is based on the concept of deterrence by denial, where India would have to pay a high price to retaliate against an adversary's first strike. India seeks to simultaneously deter an opponent from attacking while reassuring its own people of its preparation for attack, and all within India's commitment to global disarmament.
"India's Nuclear Doctrine and Policy"

Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes stated that the Agni II intermediate range ballistic missile, with a 2,200 km range and one-ton warhead, is ready for induction into India's defense arsenal.
"Agni-II ready for induction: Fernandes"

Director of the US Central Intelligence Agency George Tenet testified before the US Senate that there was a high risk of war between India and Pakistan, and that it is likely that there will be a further escalation in the race for nuclear superiority between the two, leading to further nuclear testing. Tenet also testified that India enjoyed a superiority in conventional arms over Pakistan, and that India, along with the PRC and Iran, had received ballistic missile technology from Russia.
"Pakistan, India may conduct Nuclear tests: US"
"Chance of another Indo-Pak. war: CIA"
"Kashmir may provoke war, apprehends US"

Manpreet Sethi, Research Officer at the Institute for Defense Studies and Analysis in New Delhi, argues that the Kargil incident proved that the dangers from nuclear and other mass destruction weapons is not significantly greater than in other regions. Sethi argues that the overshadowing role of the PRC has been overlooked in most analyses of the region. Sethi concludes that because nuclear dangers transcend regional boundaries, the mitigation of these threats must also prevail on a global level.
"Dangers From Weapons of Mass Destruction: Any Different in South Asia?"

India

The UK Director General of Defense Exports Anthony Pawson reported that India was likely to finalize the deal to buy 66 of the Hawk advanced jet trainer (AJT) by the end of March. One issue is India's worry that the US embargo will complicate upgrades and parts for the aircraft.
"Hawk deal by March-end, says British official"
"Britain, India come closer on Hawk jet deal"

This week was the first public flight of India's Light Combat Aircraft (LAC), at an air show in Bangalore. The Times of India reported that the LCA is the smallest lightweight multi-role supersonic aircraft in the world.
"LCA flies in Aero India 2001"
"LCA flight today?"

The Indian Navy completed a deal to acquire Israel's Barak missile defense system for nearly US$300 million. The system protects warships and has a range of 60 km.
"$300 m Israeli missile system for Indian Navy"

Russian Air Force Chief General Anatoly M. Kornukov stated, prior to meeting with Indian Air Chief Marshal A.Y. Tipnis, that Russia was interested in helping India develop the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and was willing to hold joint exercises with the two countries' air forces. An article in The Hindu stated that the project is currently based around US technology, and India should sound out US-based firms' interest in the project before redirecting aspects of the project to incorporate technology of Russian design.
"Russia keen to pitch in for LCA"
"Russian help for LCA"

Kota Harinarayana, Director of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, stated that the LCA will be just as good as European-built jet fighters, but will cost half as much. He said that India used composite materials to reduce the number of parts needed, which helped bring the cost down to US$17 million, compared to over US$100 million for a US-built F-22.
"'Our LCA will be cheaper, better'"

The Times of India reported that, contrary to US preferences, Russian Air Force Chief General Anatoly M. Kornukov said that Russia will lease India four Tu-22M3 Backfire long-range bombers and will equip them with KH-22 cruise missiles. The Backfire has a range of 2,400 km, though the bomber could be upgraded with mid-air refueling to extend the range to 5,000 km. The cruise missiles will have conventional warheads and a range of 500 km.
"Russia to lease long-range bombers to India"
"Russia mulls leasing N-capable bombers to India"

Russia reported that the delays in upgrading India's fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets is because India's specific requests on the upgrade, including new missiles and software changes, also had to be agreed to by manufacturers in Israel and France.
"Russia blames India for MiG upgrade delays"

The Hindu reported that an India-Russia deal for five Russian Ka-31 marine helicopters indicates that the two countries are close to signing a deal for 25-28 MiG-29K aircraft to be attached to the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier. The deal may also include licensed production of the MiG-29K in India.
"Indo-Russian deal on MiG-29K ready"

The Malaysian government signed a deal with Pakistan to purchase US$20.9 million in arms, including anti-tank weapons and surface-to-air missiles.
"Malaysia signs accord for buying $20 million arms"

Security talks between India's C.A. Rangachari and PRC Assistant Foreign Minister Wang Yi concluded, with both sides exchanging perspectives on regional and international issues. Indian Foreign Secretary Lalit Mansingh, who met with Wang Yi after the talks, raised the issue of Pakistan's nuclear and missile programs. Wang raised the issue of a Tibetan granted refugee status by India.
"India, China wrap up security dialogue"
"India, China move closer on security issues"

Vijay Sakhuja, Research Fellow at the Institute for Defense Studies and Analysis in New Delhi, states that the PRC is developing a maritime infrastructure as part of transitioning from a continental power to a maritime power. This has included the development of maritime industries, construction facilities, and military forces. Sakhuja also states that the PRC Navy will makes its presence felt in South Asia because the Indian Ocean states will be the sources of much of the resources that the PRC will need for this process, and is the location of many of the sea lines of communication (SLOCs) that serve the PRC economy.
"Maritime Power of People's Republic of China: The Economic Dimension"

Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes reported that forces in Jammu and Kashmir have requested that the ceasefire there not be extended past February 26, as to do so would put civilian lives in danger. Intelligence sources were reported by the Times of India as stating that the central government would has a difficult decision to make on the extension of the ceasefire because the decision must be made in consideration of several recent high-profile attacks.
"Indian military asks govt to call off ceasefire"
"Govt will need to take hard decision on J&K truce"

Indian Home Minister L.K. Advani stated that the decision to further extend the ceasefire would take careful consideration. He also said the government was considering initiatives to arm local village "guards" for self-defense in the aftermath of the killing of six Sikhs. The All-Parties Hurriyat Conference condemned the killing but opposes arming the Sikhs for self-defense.
"'Decision on ceasefire after assessment'"
"Hurriyat slams Indian move to arm Sikhs"

Ashwani Talwar writes in the Times of India that recent incidents of violence may cause the Indian government to lose its patience and decide not to extend the ceasefire past February 26.
"A fragile ceasefire frays more"

The Indian government reported that the official death toll in the Gujarat earthquake reached 16,927 people. It reported also that 18,600 cattle had been killed.
"Official quake toll rises to 16,927"

Pakistan

Pakistan Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf told reporters that Pakistan has done everything possible to begin dialogue with India and now India must take the initiative to accept talks and to send the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference delegation to Pakistan. He said the only way to resolve militancy, terrorism and religious jehad was to solve the Kashmir and Afghanistan problems.
"'No fresh moves for talks'"
"No new moves for Kashmir talks: CE"
"We must start talking: Musharraf"
"It's my dream to resolve Kashmir issue: Musharraf"
"It's my dream to resolve Kashmir issue: Musharraf"

Pakistan Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider stated that police were given instructions to crack down on militant groups in Pakistan. He said that individuals will not be allowed to publicize that they belong to a Jehadi group or solicit funds. People will also not be permitted to display weapons.
"Pakistan vows tough action against extremists"
"Pak. vows tough measures against 'jehadi' outfits"

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has asked Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf to clarify his plans for holding democratic elections, in anticipation of the end of his three-year term. Government lawyer Sharifuddin Pirzada stated in response that the government promised to hold elections before October 12, 2002.
"Clarify poll plans, SC tells Musharraf"
"Musharraf promises polls in 2002"

Kashmir

According to US Democratic Party sources, former President Bill Clinton is finalizing preparations for a trip to India in April. The trip is officially related to the Gujarat earthquake, but sources indicate that Clinton will explore whether there is a role for him in mediating between India and Pakistan over Kashmir.
"Is Clinton coming for Kashmir mediation?"

Former chairman of the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umer Farooq stated that the APHC will consider opening offices in Brussels, New York, and Saudi Arabia to raise awareness of the Kashmir issue. He also urged the Indian government to issue passports to the APHC delegation seeking to visit Pakistan.
"Hurriyat to open four overseas offices"

Harish Khare writes in The Hindu that it is a reflection of the current government's fragility and its lack of conceptual boldness that it is unable to face the political risk associated with the real pursuit of a peace dialogue. Meanwhile, there is no clear answer to the Kashmir question or to whether Pakistan Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf can deliver on any agreements he makes.
"What next in Kashmir?"

The links below provide coverage of violence that occurred in the past week in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Militants massacre 15 villagers in Rajouri"
"Shia militant gang busted in Kashmir"
"Militants attack police picket in J&K"
"Blast in Kargil district kills three"
"9 policemen among 13 gunned down in Assam"
"Two cops, 6 Mujahideen shot dead in Kashmir"
"J&K police control room retaken, 8 policemen killed"
"8 policemen killed"
"Major intrusion bid foiled in J&K"
"2 policemen among 4 killed in Kashmir"
"J&K militants step up heat; use ceasefire to regroup"
"27 killed in attacks by Kashmiri fighters"
"Nine killed in Kashmir clashes"

Sri Lanka

The Times of India reported that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam agreed to hold peace talks with the Sri Lankan government if Britain does not ban the LTTE under new anti-terrorism laws. The article also cited reports by Sri Lankan intelligence agencies that the LTTE was rearming and preparing new recruits.
"LTTE ready for talks if UK puts off ban"

A budget was presented to the Sri Lanka Parliament that increases the defense budget to US$720 million. This is a 20 percent increase over the previous year's budget, but less than what was actually spent with the mid-year increase in fighting against the LTTE. The Hindu reports that Sri Lanka's growing budget deficit indicates that it can not afford this level of defense spending.
"Huge outlay for defence in Sri Lankan budget"

Afghanistan

The United States Agency for International Development announced that it would airlift tents, blankets, water jugs and medical kits to Afghanistan and Pakistan to alleviate years of drought and war.
"US to fly emergency aid to Afghanistan, Pakistan"

US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher stated that the US had asked the Taliban to close its New York office in compliance with UN sanctions. The Bush administration also announced it was reviewing the status of Taliban representative in the US Abdul Hakeem Mujahid. Taliban Foreign Minister Wakil Ahmed Mutawakil stated that if the US closed the Taliban office in New York, the Taliban would retaliate by closing the office in Kabul of the UN Special Mission in Afghanistan.
"US tells Taliban to close office in New York"
"Close office, U.S. tells Taliban"
"Taliban to retaliate if office in US closed"

Pakistan Foreign Minister Moinuddin Haider visited Afghanistan for the first high-level visit between the two countries since the 1999 military takeover. While the two countries are close, they have disagreements over the deportation of criminals.
"Pak. Minister to hold talks with Taliban"

Produced by the Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainable Development in partnership with the Monash Asia Institute.

Robert Brown, SANDNet Coordinator: SANDNet@nautilus.org
Berkeley, California, United States

Wade L. Huntley, Security Program Director: SANDNet@nautilus.org
Berkeley, California, United States