Which of the following is/are salient feature/s of Indian Nuclear Doctrine? 1. Building and maintaining a credible minimum deterrent. 2. A posture of “No First Use”. 3. Nuclear retaliatory attacks can only be authorized by the civilian political leadership. Choose the correct answer from below given codes:

[A] 1 only

[B] 1 and 2 only

[C] 2 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Notes:

Explanation: India adopted its nuclear doctrine in 2003. The salient features of this doctrine are as follows:

Building and maintaining a credible minimum deterrent.
A posture of “No First Use” – nuclear weapons will only be used in retaliation against a nuclear attack on Indian Territory or on Indian forces anywhere.
Nuclear retaliation to a first strike will be massive and designed to inflict unacceptable damage.
Nuclear retaliatory attacks can only be authorized by the civilian political leadership through the Nuclear Command Authority.
Non-use of nuclear weapons against nonnuclear weapon states.

Source: Laxmikanth Polity