The debate over nuclear weapons has intensified after India carried out surgical strikes on terrorist bases in Pakistan and PoK under Operation Sindoor. India and Pakistan are both nuclear armed countries, but this does not mean that any country can use the nuclear bomb whenever it wants. A nuclear attack is a very serious and destructive decision, which has to be thought on many levels before taking it. International law, diplomatic pressure, military strategy and internal security procedures play a key role in this decision. This is the reason that despite having nuclear weapons, they have not been used in war so far. Both India and Pakistan have advanced ballistic missile systems and the capability to carry nuclear bombs, but their use is possible only when the situation goes out of control.
Indo-Pak have nuclear power, but limitations on use
India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974 under the name of "Smiling Buddha", while Pakistan demonstrated its strength to the world by testing in Chagai hills in 1998. Today, both countries have nuclear warheads and missiles capable of carrying them. India has missiles like Agni and Prithvi, while Pakistan has Ghaznavi, Shaheen and Abdali missile systems. But this arms race does not allow automatic use in war.
India's 'No First Use' policy and Pakistan's ambiguous position
India has clearly adopted the policy of 'No First Use'. This means that India will not launch a nuclear attack unless it is subjected to a nuclear attack. Pakistan has not declared such a formal policy, yet nuclear strikes are not military decisions alone — political leadership, global responses, and the approval of internal security agencies are required.
International pressure and consequences on a nuclear attack
A nuclear striker not only faces heavy international criticism and sanctions, but also faces political isolation, economic sanctions and retaliatory military action. This is the reason that despite having nuclear weapons, their use in the world is considered to be the last option. Operation Sindoor carried out by India has been praised globally as it was a precise, responsible and limited military response.