Our primary goal should be to achieve a large cutback in Soviet first-strike weapons, so that Moscow does not ever have enough for a credible first-strike capability.
For this, the EU will require credible capabilities.
To do this, the United States would have to maintain a "technological" and "doctrinal" edge "and a credible capability to expand military forces."
Together, these steps "could give Moscow precisely what we originally sought to deny it through S.D.I. - a credible first-strike capability that could be invoked with great coercive effect in a crisis."
The missile is expected to provide India with a credible sea-based second-strike capability.
It also "directs, integrates and employs credible and relevant military capability in peace and in response to crisis."
Reference was made to a credible military capability specifically in connection with controlling international crises.
Still, in 1914, the British entered into Aerial Reconnaissance in World War I with no credible heavier-than-air capability.
DRDO is working on a submarine-launched version of the Agni-III missile, which will provide India with a credible sea-based second-strike capability.