scorecardresearch
Add as a preferred source on Google
Thursday, April 9, 2026
TopicDeterrence

Topic: Deterrence

What commissioning of 3rd nuke missile submarine Aridhaman means for India’s nuclear triad | Cut The Clutter

This is transcript of Cut The Clutter episode that examines India’s commissioning of its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Aridhaman, and how it strengthens the country’s nuclear triad and second-strike capability.

The third nuclear age is here. With more dangers

The sobering reality is that nuclear danger has not gone away. Regional deterrence relationships are being tested by border tensions and military modernisation of adversaries.

Did India achieve deterrence? Depends on whether Pakistan was psychologically bruised

Deterrence and punishment depend on psychologically impacting those we are trying to influence. The problem is that we cannot know with certainty how much damage needs to be caused.

No traditional deterrence—PLA has its own agenda in Ladakh. Deter, compel, make India accept

The Chinese term for deterrence differs from the English term in International Relations literature. China combines deterrence and compellence strategies.

Unlike Vajpayee & Manmohan, PM Modi thinks prudence in conflict is a self-imposed fetter

There is a continuing clamour for the Modi government to escalate further, if only to preserve the reputation of the ‘new India’.

India must explicitly seek escalation to establish a deterrence regime

Indian leaders must prepare forces, equipment, intelligence and plans for further escalation, and leverage our conventional superiority over Pakistan.

India’s planning for future wars almost completely ignores the nuclear threat

After INS Arihant, India needs to seriously reevaluate its nuclear deterrence policy.

On Camera

A stronger Iran has emerged from the rubble. US learned the lesson 40 days late

The US and Israel’s assassinations of Iranian leadership ended up bestowing martyrdom on those killed. Shias saw the deaths as a continuity of martyrdom from the Battle of Karbala.

Data centre gold rush risks blackouts, central electricity body warns states against tripping grids

India’s fast-growing data centre sector may strain state electricity networks; Central Electricity Authority has urged Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu to boost capacity.

Theaterisation in play: Air Headquarters to control strategic assets  

Exclusive: Theaterisation proposal has been stuck over how limited air assets would be divided. Consensus reached on division of air assets among 3 theatres, it is learnt.

China insulated itself against energy shocks. India is ‘all talk, no walk’

China patiently invested capital, skill and technology in coal gasification. Unlike it, we won’t move from words to action. As crude prices decline, we lose interest.