INDIA is fully committed to maintaining peace and stability with its neighbours, in the region and in the global context too. This is sought to be achieved through a combination of defence preparedness, unilateral restraint, confidence building dialogue, and expanding bilateral and multilateral interaction. Effective diplomacy, backed by credible military power is India's preferred means to meet the multiple threats and growing challenges in the region and globally. The country's force postures remain defensive in orientation, while its nuclear policy is characterised by a commitment to no-first-use, moratorium on nuclear testing, minimum credible nuclear deterrent and rejection of entering into an arms race. India is fully committed to the twin policies of no territorial ambition, and no export of ideology. Progress towards a truly multi-polar world, with India as one of the poles has been slow but steady. Appreciation of India's emerging economic, political and military capabilities and its position as a responsible power, including in the areas of nuclear capability has led to a significant upscale of India's ties with the global community, including in the field of defence.
In tune with its philosophy of maintaining and strengthening defence relationships with international partners as part of India's contribution to global peace, security and strategic stability, the Ministry of Defence has significantly stepped us its defence ties with a wide range of countries across the globe. Strategic defence dialogue has assumed a significant role in the defence partnership between India and a number of countries. Such exchange has led to greater joint partnership towards preparations for a globally coordinated initiative to fight against the menace of terrorism, proliferation, trafficking, piracy and the nefarious activities of non-state actors. India's commitment to UN-led peacekeeping operations is unwavering and India has expanded its role by agreeing to contribute troops towards the UN operations in the middle-east.
India's defence policy aims at promoting and sustaining durable peace in the sub-continent and equipping the defence forces adequately to safeguard from any aggression.
This Supreme command of the Armed Forces vests in the President of India. The responsibility for national defence, however, rests with the Cabinet. The Defence Minister (Raksha Mantri) is responsible to Parliament for all matters concerning defence of the country. Administrative and operational control of the armed forces is exercised by the Ministry of Defence and the three Service Headquarters.
