INDIA-PAKISTAN NUCLEAR COMPETITION AS FLASH POINTS OF SOUTH ASIAN SECURITY MILIEU

Abstract

The nuclear deterrence rivalry involving India and Pakistan is undoubtedly one of the world’s most ferocious regional rivalries. Considering the two countries’ common cultural, historical, geographical relationships, the India-Pakistan association has been categorized by abhorrence and suspicion since British India was partitioned in 1947. Nuclear capability has the power to trigger the already existing conflicts between Pakistan and India. The degree of regional security of South Asia is primarily & essentially interdependent due to amity, enmity relationship between Pakistan and India. While nuclear deterrence has perpetuated the rivalry between India and Pakistan, it has also paradoxically contributed to maintaining a fragile peace in the region. The concept of mutually assured destruction has restrained both countries from engaging in full-scale wars, as any nuclear exchange would result in catastrophic consequences for both sides. The deterrent effect of nuclear weapons, therefore, plays a significant role in sustaining a tense but stable peace between India and Pakistan, despite their deep-seated enmities.