BJP vows to revise nuclear doctrine
TNN | Apr 8, 2014, 02.23 AM ISTNEW DELHI: A BJP government will "revise and update" India's nuclear doctrine, promising to maintain a credible minimum deterrent "in tune with changing geostrategic realities". While both main parties have promised to maintain a minimum deterrence, BJP has clarified in its manifesto that changing realities in the region would be reflected in its strategic policy.
In foreign policy, BJP promised to "reboot and reorient foreign policy goals, content and process". Pitching for political stability and peace in South Asia, BJP said it would revive friendly relations within this region, though would not hesitate to take tough action if warranted.
The party in its manifesto stuck to multilateral engagement steering clear of naming individual countries. But taking forward Narendra Modi's own views about the foreign ministry, the party promised to "expand and empower our pool of diplomats". Harking back to the Vajpayee era, the BJP plans to focus a lot of attention on NRIs and PIOs — many of whom have supported the party from overseas.
In 1998, the BJP manifesto famously promised to conduct nuclear tests if it came to power, but no one took it seriously. This time everyone will, but the fact is, the UPA government has quietly modified the nuclear doctrine itself. With Pakistan developing the Nasr, a tactical nuclear missile, India has indicated that even a tactical strike would be met with a massive strategic second strike.
The BJP has also promised to fast-track defence purchases and open up foreign direct investmentin select defence industries. "BJP will strengthen the DRDO, encourage private sector participation and investment, including FDI," the manifesto said.
This was a major hurdle in the UPA government, where defence minister A K Antony stood firm against FDI in defence. The present government has only opened up the defence sector to 26% FDI which was felt to be inadequate to attract defence investment into India, while an overt antipathy to the private sector made it difficult for Indian private sector to get into defence production.
The party has promised to set up a national maritime authority to focus on coastal security. Promising to deal with cross-border terrorism "with a firm hand", the BJP has promised "punitive measures" to deal with illegal immigration. Modifying decades of accepted wisdom of keeping the armed forces out of all strategic decision making, the BJP has promised to "ensure greater participation of armed forces in the decision-making processes of the ministry of defence".
While making short service commissions more "attractive", the party promised to set up four defence universities, a veteran's commission and ensure servicemen can exercise their franchise.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/BJP-vows-to-revise-nuclear-doctrine/articleshow/33410123.cms