INDIA’S STRATEGIC FORCE MODERNIZATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

South Asia is one of the most volatile regions in the world due to presence of two belligerent neighbors – Pakistan and India. The region has witnessed numerous wars and skirmishes. The advent of nuclear weapons in the region in 1998 has added more to the complexities. With aspirations of being a big power, India has initiated a comprehensive military force build up. India is modernizing its strategic/nuclear forces even beyond its security needs. This is a perfect example of a state being a power maximizer as believed by offensive realists. This aggressive behaviour of India has some serious implications for Pakistan, which has always sought a strategic stability in the region. Knowing that arms race is an expensive enterprise, Pakistan would not get into parity with India but will look for cost effective solutions to keep the balance. This research looks into the major development in India’s strategic forces and analysing rationale behind offensive force build-up through perspective of Offensive Realism. The research also discusses the implications of the Indian strategic force enhancement for Pakistan.