US President Donald Trump has ordered the military to prepare for nuclear weapons testing, marking a significant shift in policy after a 33-year hiatus. However, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright clarified that these tests will not involve actual nuclear explosions. Instead, they will focus on system tests to ensure the functionality of nuclear weapon components. Wright stated, "These are not nuclear explosions. These are what we call non-critical explosions."

Trump's directive comes in response to recent nuclear developments by Russia, including tests of a nuclear-powered underwater drone. His comments have raised concerns about the potential erosion of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which prohibits all nuclear explosions. Amid these tensions, experts are questioning India's stance on its nuclear testing policy, particularly in light of its no-first-use doctrine established after the 1998 Pokhran-II tests.

India has maintained a voluntary moratorium on nuclear tests since then, but the changing global landscape has prompted discussions about whether India should reconsider this position. Some analysts argue that the US's renewed focus on nuclear testing could provide India with an opportunity to validate its hydrogen bomb capabilities, which have faced scrutiny since the 1998 tests.

The debate is intensified by the nuclear capabilities of India's neighbours, Pakistan and China. As of 2025, India is estimated to have around 180 nuclear warheads, while Pakistan has approximately 170 and China is projected to have around 600, potentially increasing to 1,000 by 2030. Experts like Bharat Karnad have expressed concerns that India's current nuclear arsenal may not be sufficient to counter China's advancements, particularly its Fractional Orbital Bombardment Systems (FOBS), which could bypass India's missile defence systems.

In light of these developments, some Indian strategists are advocating for a reassessment of the country's nuclear testing policy. They argue that if the US resumes nuclear testing, India should also conduct its own tests to reaffirm its deterrent capabilities. Former Indian diplomat Rakesh Sood highlighted the delicate balance India has maintained between promoting peace and ensuring its security since its first nuclear test in 1974.

As the global nuclear landscape evolves, the implications for India's nuclear strategy remain a topic of intense discussion among experts and policymakers. The situation continues to unfold, with many watching closely to see how India will respond to the shifting dynamics in nuclear policy and testing.