India’s nuclear program has played a significant role in its foreign policy calculations and has elicited various responses from the global community.

Role in foreign policy calculations:

1. Deterrence: India’s nuclear program has been driven by the desire to achieve deterrence against potential adversaries, particularly Pakistan and China.
2. National security: India has viewed its nuclear program as a means to ensure national security and prevent the threat of nuclear attack from neighboring countries.
3. Regional influence: India’s nuclear program has been seen as a way to assert its influence in the region and to counterbalance the growing military power of China.
4. International recognition: India’s nuclear program has been a key factor in its quest for international recognition as a major world power.

Global responses:

1. Nuclear non-proliferation efforts: India’s nuclear program has been criticized by the global community for its perceived disregard for international non-proliferation norms.
2. Security concerns: Many countries have expressed concerns about the security implications of India’s nuclear program, particularly with regard to the potential risks of nuclear conflict in the region.
3. Economic sanctions: The United States and other countries have imposed economic sanctions on India in response to its nuclear tests, including restrictions on trade and technology transfers.
4. Strategic partnerships: India has sought to mitigate these concerns by forging strategic partnerships with countries like the United States, Russia, and France, which have provided diplomatic and economic support.

Key developments:

1. Nuclear tests: India conducted a series of nuclear tests in 1998, which were widely condemned by the international community.
2. Civilian nuclear agreement: In 2008, India signed a civilian nuclear agreement with the United States, which provided for increased cooperation in civilian nuclear energy and helped to ease some of the sanctions.
3. Nuclear doctrine: India’s nuclear doctrine has evolved over time, with a shift towards a more nuanced approach that emphasizes deterrence and minimum credible deterrence rather than a first-strike capability.
4. International engagement: India has increasingly engaged with international institutions and organizations on issues related to disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control.