Deterrence and Stability in South Asia
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Keywords

Balance of Power, South Asia, Deterrence, Strategic Stability, India-Pakistan Equilibrium

Abstract

In the South Asian region, there are several threats to peace in security. Major source of conflicts between India and Pakistan is anm issue of Kashmir which has remained unresolved. Thus India and Pakistan have not yet been able to develop friendly relations. Pakistan since its establishment in 1947 has made efforts to normalize relations with its neighbor, but Indian response was discouraging. The conflicts among these two states have disturbed the balance of power in the region which has been maintained by nuclear weapons. Pakistan and India realize the value of nuclear deterrence, due to which war could be averted several times after over nuclearization of both countries. Regrettably, the evolving trends at regional and global level do not fully guarantee the continuation of strategic stability, attempting to weaken the deterrence regime. Indian cold start doctrine and proactive strategy are efforts in the same direction. With massive investment in conventional arms buildup and offensive posturing, India is repeatedly attempting to undermine the credibility of deterrence regime thus adding to uncertainty, therefore, a phenomenon of ‘No War No Peace’ will continue to dominate the regional landscape of South Asia. The aim of this paper is to explore the factors which contribute instability in the region. It also analyzes the nuclear doctrines of India and their impact on over all security of the region.

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