Open AccessChallenges in Nuclear Posture and Deterrence from Pakistan’s Perspective
Author(s) -
Adil Sultan
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
national security journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2703-1934
pISSN - 2703-1926
DOI - 10.36878/nsj20211224.05
Subject(s) - nuclear weapon , deterrence theory , ballistic missile , missile , competition (biology) , perspective (graphical) , political science , computer security , cold war , adversary , nuclear strategy , international trade , engineering , business , law , computer science , politics , ecology , aerospace engineering , artificial intelligence , biology
India and Pakistan are engaged in a nuclear arms competition with new technologies and systems that have a direct bearing on their respective doctrines and nuclear postures. The statements by senior Indian leadership over the past few years throw into question the viability of India’s no-first-use posture and have placed further stress on the deterrence relationship between these two regional adversaries. India’s efforts to explore space for a limited war in a nuclearised environment have encouraged Pakistan to introduce remedial measures in the form of short-range ballistic missiles. These are part of its full spectrum deterrence, which aims to deter an entire spectrum of conventional and nuclear threats. India’s work to operationalise its second-strike capability, acquisition of ballistic missile defences and development of hypersonic weapons could undermine regional strategic stability. These efforts require countermeasures on the part of Pakistan to ensure deterrence stability between the two nuclear armed neighbours.