India's journey in the global nuclear order has been a complex and evolving one, marked by a commitment to peaceful nuclear energy, a strong stance against discriminatory non-proliferation regimes, and a gradual emergence as a responsible nuclear weapon state.

Phase 1: Early Advocacy for Disarmament and Peaceful Uses (1950s-1960s) Post-independence, under Jawaharlal Nehru, India championed nuclear disarmament and the peaceful uses of atomic energy. It opposed the nuclear arms race and advocated for a comprehensive ban on nuclear weapons. However, recognizing the strategic environment, India also pursued its own indigenous nuclear program, emphasizing its peaceful applications, particularly for energy and medicine.

Phase 2: The 'Peaceful Nuclear Explosion' (1974) In 1974, India conducted its first nuclear test, 'Smiling Buddha,' which it characterized as a 'peaceful nuclear explosion.' This event was a response to the 1962 Sino-Indian War and China's nuclearization, as well as the perceived discriminatory nature of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) of 1968, which India refused to sign. The NPT, in India's view, created a club of nuclear 'haves' and 'have-nots' and did not commit nuclear powers to disarmament. The 1974 test led to global condemnation and the imposition of technology denial regimes by Western powers, severely impacting India's nuclear and space programs.

Phase 3: Declared Nuclear Weapon State (1998) In May 1998, India conducted a series of five nuclear tests (Pokhran-II), declaring itself a nuclear weapon state. This decision was driven by evolving security concerns, particularly the nuclearization of Pakistan and the perceived threat from China. Following these tests, India articulated a clear nuclear doctrine based on:

• Minimum Credible Deterrence: Maintaining a sufficient and survivable nuclear arsenal to deter any nuclear attack.
• No-First-Use (NFU): A pledge not to use nuclear weapons first against any non-nuclear weapon state.
• Retaliation Only: A commitment to massive retaliation in response to a first strike. These tests again led to international sanctions, but India successfully engaged in diplomatic efforts to explain its security compulsions.

Phase 4: Integration into the Global Nuclear Order (Post-2000s) Despite not being a signatory to the NPT or the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), India has demonstrated responsible nuclear behavior. A significant turning point was the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement (2008), which granted India a waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) to engage in civilian nuclear trade, effectively recognizing India as a de facto nuclear weapon state. This marked a shift from isolation to integration. Since then, India has:

• Signed civilian nuclear cooperation agreements with several countries.
• Adhered to its unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing.
• Maintained a strong non-proliferation record, despite not signing the NPT.
• Actively participated in global non-proliferation efforts and advocated for universal, non-discriminatory disarmament.

Today, India is seen as a responsible nuclear power, a key player in the global nuclear order, and a strong advocate for a multipolar world, while steadfastly maintaining its minimum credible deterrence.