This is the first of a two-part series on India's nuclear weaponization.
In May 1998, India conducted five nuclear tests. Even if one were to concede the tests were understandable, the question arises: What did India gain? The short answer, contrary to facile claims of strategic, military or political utility, and cost-effectiveness is: not much.
Unilateral nuclear disarmament is unlikely by any of the nuclear-armed states, including India, and is thus unrealistic as a policy goal. However, a denuclearized world that includes the destruction of India's nuclear stockpile would favorably affect the balance of India's security and other interests like development and social welfare, national and international interests, and material interests and value goals.