Indian nuclear explosion and India's security

After critically examining the adverse reactions of the U.S., the U.K., Canada and Japan to India's peaceful nuclear explosion (Pokhran event), two types of nuclear capabilities - capability to coerce and capability to deter - are distinguished and discussed at length. Citing the French experience in this connection, it is stated that the power to deter is cheaper than the power to coerce and it is advisable to acquire such power from the view point of security. It is author's opinion that the very destructiveness of nuclear weapons is acting as a guarantee of peace amongst nations. (M.G.B.)