Two top American nuclear experts have said that India's nuclear strategy is experiencing a shift as it is now modernising its nuclear arsenal with a focus on China rather than its traditional rival Pakistan, Times of India reported.

"India is estimated to have produced approximately 600 kilograms of weapon-grade plutonium sufficient for 150–200 nuclear warheads," read an article by American nuclear experts Hans Kristensen and Robert Norris published in digital journal Bulletin of Atomic Sciences' July/August issue.

"While India has traditionally been focused on deterring Pakistan, its nuclear modernisation indicates that it is putting increased emphasis on its future strategic relationship with China," they said.

"The two-stage, solid-fuel, rail-mobile Agni-2, an improvement on the Agni-1, can deliver a nuclear or conventional warhead more than 2,000 km," the article said, adding that the targeting of the arsenal is "probably focused on western, central, and southern China."

The article stated that India was also developing Agni-3, 4 and 5, adding that the extra range of Agni-5 will allow "the Indian military to establish Agni-5 bases in central and southern India, further away from China."

Opinion

Editorial

Geopolitical games
Updated 18 Dec, 2024

Geopolitical games

While Assad may be gone — and not many are mourning the end of his brutal rule — Syria’s future does not look promising.
Polio’s toll
18 Dec, 2024

Polio’s toll

MONDAY’s attacks on polio workers in Karak and Bannu that martyred Constable Irfanullah and wounded two ...
Development expenditure
18 Dec, 2024

Development expenditure

PAKISTAN’S infrastructure development woes are wide and deep. The country must annually spend at least 10pc of its...
Risky slope
Updated 17 Dec, 2024

Risky slope

Inflation likely to see an upward trajectory once high base effect tapers off.
Digital ID bill
Updated 17 Dec, 2024

Digital ID bill

Without privacy safeguards, a centralised digital ID system could be misused for surveillance.
Dangerous revisionism
Updated 17 Dec, 2024

Dangerous revisionism

When hatemongers call for digging up every mosque to see what lies beneath, there is a darker agenda driving matters.