India's First Nuclear doctrine was officially released in:

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3:

The correct option is **January, 2003**. Students, understanding the timing of India's Nuclear Doctrine is crucial to appreciating its strategic posture. Following the Pokhran-II tests in May 1998, India declared itself a state possessing nuclear weapons. This necessitated the articulation of a formal nuclear doctrine to guide its policy. While the first draft of the doctrine was presented by the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) in August 1999, it was officially adopted and released much later. The formal, authoritative document outlining India’s nuclear strategy—which includes the foundational commitment to 'No First Use' (NFU) and the policy of 'Credible Minimum Deterrence'—was officially approved and publicly released by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in January 2003. This release marked India's formal commitment to the principles of its nuclear deterrent capability on the global stage, solidifying its place as a responsible nuclear power.

The incorrect option is 1:

The date **November, 2002** is incorrect. While the official release of the doctrine occurred near the end of 2002 and the beginning of 2003, November 2002 predates the final decision and official announcement made by the highest decision-making body, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). Although internal discussions and reviews were intense during this period following the 1999 draft, the process of final ratification and public release had not yet been completed. November 2002 represents a time when the policy was still undergoing critical review before receiving the final seal of approval from the government.

The incorrect option is 2:

The date **December, 2002** is also incorrect. Similar to November 2002, December marks the final stages of the internal government review process, but it was not the month of the official release. The release of India's Nuclear Doctrine was a pivotal moment requiring absolute certainty and clarity from the government, which is why the final announcement was carefully timed. December 2002 was the transition period leading right up to the official unveiling, but the actual, formal notification did not happen until the following month.

The incorrect option is 4:

The date **February, 2004** is too late. The First Nuclear Doctrine was already official and in the public domain for over a year by this time. While nuclear policy remains subject to continuous refinement, the foundational document, which is what the question asks for, was established much earlier. February 2004 is well past the landmark official release date of January 2003. This later date does not correspond to any significant official revision or the initial formal release of the doctrine.