In a striking development, the global nuclear landscape is facing potential upheaval as U.S. President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing, effectively ending a 33-year voluntary moratorium. This move, aimed at countering perceived advancements by Russia and China, raises alarms among nuclear experts who warn of a cascading arms race, prompting a possible revival of testing programs by these nations, including responses from President Vladimir Putin, who signaled readiness for potential nuclear tests should the U.S. proceed. For India, which has maintained a testing moratorium since its 1998 Pokhran-II tests, this situation presents a complex dilemma: while the strategic imperatives for validating its nuclear capabilities and deterrence posture may increase amid rising regional tensions, any resumption of testing could invite international diplomatic backlash and undermine its non-proliferation commitments. Experts caution that such actions may escalate regional rivalries, especially given Pakistan’s response possibilities, and could jeopardize India’s hard-won diplomatic status, particularly in light of its growing defense partnerships with the U.S. and like-minded nations in the Indo-Pacific. Ultimately, this evolution in nuclear policy underlines a critical juncture in global security dynamics, emphasizing the need for India to navigate its strategic interests carefully while maintaining its commitment to non-proliferation in a potentially destabilizing environment.