National Security and Strategic Studies
Nuclear and Disarmament
India’s Energy Transition in a Carbon-Constrained World: The Role of Nuclear Power - Overview and Key Recommendations

The concern for climate change has spurred an intense debate on energy transition to a low carbon economy. Climate change is an existential problem facing humanity. While the developed world has contributed most to global warming, its consequences will be felt by all countries. The worst affected will be those least equipped to deal with it. Vivekananda International Foundation has undertaken a study of energy choices available to India keeping in mind our development perspective.

Nuclear Power: India’s Development Imperative (a VIF Task Force Report)

India has to be militarily powerful to be a meaningful player in international politics. As the world’s fifth largest economy, it must be a secure nation to deter her enemies. India’s Poet Laureate Dr. Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, in his poem quoted above, has correctly observed that only the powerful possess the ability to pardon someone and that no one cares for the weak or toothless.

Book Discussion, ‘Sharpening the Arsenal: India’s Evolving Nuclear Deterrence Policy’

The Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) arranged a panel discussion on 08 Jan 2018 over a recently published book ‘Sharpening the Arsenal: India’s Evolving Nuclear Doctrine’ (HarperCollins, 2017), authored by eminent defence expert, Brig Gurmeet Kanwal. The book, besides bringing a razor-sharp focus on India’s entire nuclear spectrum, also seeks to stir a debate on whether India’s Nuclear Doctrine, entailing a ‘No First Use’ policy, has outlived its utility, especially keeping in view Pakistan’s evolving nuclear postures against India.

Round Table Discussion on India’s Nuclear Diplomacy

The Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) organized a Round Table Discussion (RTD) on “India’s Nuclear Diplomacy” on 20 December 2017. Dr. Arvind Gupta, Director, VIF, moderated the session. The speakers of the round table included Amb. Satish Chandra, Amb. Sheel Kant Sharma, Amb. R. Rajagopalan, Amb. D. P. Srivastava, Prof. R. Rajaraman, Lt. Gen. Ravi Sawhney and Dr. Manpreet Sethi. At the end of the Roundtable, Dr. Pankaj Sharma, Joint Secretary, Disarmament and International Security Affairs (DISA), Ministry of External Affairs, gave his special remarks.

Round Table Discussion on Efficacy of India’s Nuclear Doctrine

A Round Table Discussion on the ‘Efficacy of India’s Nuclear Doctrine in the Context of Pakistan’s Tactical Nuclear Weapons’ (TNWs) was held at the VIF. It began with a presentation by Brig Gurmeet Kanwal, Visiting Fellow, VIF, to outline the characteristics of TNWs, its impact on strategic stability in South Asia, nuclear scenarios and options for India, and need for review of India’s Nuclear Doctrine. The discussion established that even if battlefield or TNWs are used against purely military targets, the effect would be strategic.

Round-Table Discussion on Credibility of India’s Nuclear Deterrence

A Round-Table Discussion to deliberate upon the credibility of India’s Nuclear Deterrence especially in the light of Pakistan’s development of Tactical Nuclear Weapons (TNWs) was held at the VIF on 18 November 2013. The discussion was chaired by Gen NC Vij, former Chief of Army Staff. The participants included members of the strategic community comprising former diplomats, military personnel and representatives from think tanks.

Commemorative Seminar: India's Evolving Nuclear Posture in a Dynamic Environment

Twelve years ago, on 11 May 1998, India had conducted the Shakti series of Nuclear tests.These had taken the world by surprise and firmly catapulted India into the league of major global powers.To commemorate this seminal event, the VIF organised a seminar on "India's Evolving Nuclear Posture in a Dynamic Regional and International Nuclear Environment". Mr Satish Chandra, former Deputy NSA, traced the evolution of India's Nuclear policy and its future prospects.

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