Tactical

Tactical Nuclear Weapon: Deterrence Stability between India and Pakistan
Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal
Associate Professor
School of Politics and International Relations
Quaid-i-Azam University
Islamabad
India and Pakistan relations have been fraught with conflict since 1947. New Delhi‘s recent
doctrinal transformation, upsurge in its anti-missile program, and gigantic investment in the
conventional weaponry have obliged Islamabad to reciprocate by manufacturing and testing a
credible-cum-transparent new weapon-NASR missile on April 19, 2011. Indeed, to prevent India‘s
hegemony in South Asia, Islamabad requires an unyielding conventional fence and credible nuclear
second strike. The solidification of the Pakistani defensive fence needs three things: strategic
vigilance, a sophisticated national military buildup program,1 and above all, finances to bear the
burden of military modernization. The first two are easier to accomplish provided the third article is
on a positive trajectory.
India‘s growing economy encourages colossal investment in its military arsenals. Conversely,
Pakistan‘s increasing economic fragility and unending war on terrorism limits the latter‘s options to
invest in the military buildup. This prevalent economic equation obviously facilitates New Delhi to
shift the balance of power in its favor. The overwhelming majority in Pakistan believe that if the
balance of power were heavily skewed in favor of India, it would be likely to launch a hegemonic
war against Pakistan.
The gradual fattening of the Indian military muscle naturally exacerbates the military
vulnerability of Pakistan. Therefore, the latter‘s defense planners continuously endeavor to preserve
the balance of power to sustain the deterrence stability between the belligerent neighbors in South
Asia. Though Islamabad has limited options to cope with the emerging strategic puzzles due to its
economic challenges, it still has room for maneuvering. The economic limitations also necessitate
that...