Deterrence Stability In Nuclear South Asia: Issues And Complexities

Abstract

This qualitative research aims to analyze how the major strategic shift in the behavior of nuclear India from defensive (pre-detonation era) to offensive (post-detonation era) has challenged the deterrence stability of south Asia by providing legitimation to Pakistan's deterrent options? Due to this 20^th century’s most enduring rivalry (Indo-Pak) and increasing mutual suspicions, the regional nuclear powers are gripped in a Security dilemma. Consequently, the already meager regional resources have been directed towards adding more sophisticated, advanced, and sensitive military technologies (indigenous or imported) to counter the adversary's possible advances. Due to the complex geostrategic location of these nuclear rivals, any triggered conflict may lead to catastrophic outcomes. Which may have deadliest consequences not only for the entire region but also for the rest of the world. Consequently, South Asia the home to one-third of the global population is considered as a nuclear flash point or the most dangerous region on earth. To consolidate this research secondary resources have been used.