If Congress government is formed, can it abolish atom bomb? Know who has the country’s ‘nuclear power’

New Delhi: ‘If the Congress party comes to power, it will defuse the atomic bomb.’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the thinking of Congress has become so dangerous that it wants to bring back Article 370 and abolish the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Addressing an election rally in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi Lok Sabha constituency, the PM alleged, ‘The Congress party wants India to remain poor, people to remain surrounded by problems. That’s why she wants to bring back the old situation again. he/she said that the Congress party has announced that if it comes to power, it will eliminate nuclear capability which will weaken our country. Let us know how nuclear weapons are managed in the country and can any government take a decision to destroy nuclear weapons?

Nuclear weapons 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 supreme body for decisions on command, control and operations of India’s nuclear weapons.

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 take decisions on the use of nuclear weapons.

2. Executive Council: This council is chaired 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 is the responsibility of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), which operates 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 rests with the SFC.

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

The ‘Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists’ had published a report on India’s nuclear weapons arsenal in 2022. It was estimated that India has at least 160 nuclear weapons which have the capability to strike from all three, water, land and air. The report says India is developing a three-tier delivery system for nuclear weapons, including air, ground and sea launch systems.

ground launch systems

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

air launch systems

Mirage 2000H and Jaguar aircraft are also used for India’s nuclear weapons. But, Jaguar aircraft are becoming old and may soon be retired from service. India has purchased Rafale aircraft and they can be used for nuclear strikes.

marine 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 K-4 missile can be used in it. 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 abolish nuclear weapons… Why is this fear troubling PM Modi?

India’s nuclear doctrine

India’s nuclear policy is based on the policy of ‘No First Use’. But, India announced in 2003 that it could use nuclear weapons in response to a chemical or biological attack.

Tension between India and Pakistan

India’s tensions with China and Pakistan remain constant. There have been frequent clashes between the two countries and the threat of nuclear war always remains. The border dispute between India and China is a main cause of tension. There have been repeated clashes on the border between the armies of the two countries. China’s rapid militarization is a matter of great concern for India. For this reason, India is increasing its nuclear capabilities.