India plans missile silos on islands to strengthen second defense line.
In a strategic enhancement to its Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) capabilities, India is contemplating the establishment of underground missile silos on remote islands, such as those in the Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep archipelagos. This initiative aims to create a resilient second line of defense against potential first strikes from adversaries, notably Pakistan and China, ensuring that India’s BMD network remains operational even if mainland installations are compromised. The BMD program, which has evolved since the Kargil War, is crucial for countering ballistic missile threats and maintaining India’s no first use nuclear policy. By integrating these island-based systems with existing BMD infrastructure, India seeks to bolster its deterrence strategy and enhance national security in a volatile geopolitical landscape.