Complexities of Achieving Strategic Stability in Southern Asia: An Indian Perspective

Abstract

The concept of strategic stability provides a framework for strengthening security in the nuclear age. This report explores the possibilities and constraints for achieving strategic stability in South Asia. The strained relations between India, on the one hand, and Pakistan and China, on the other, make it difficult to achieve such stability. Nevertheless, it is important to explore new alternatives in a region that is frequently exposed to crises, and where some countries have nuclear weapons strategies based on manipulating risks to bolster deterrence. The report discusses various measures that could weaken the incentives for the use of nuclear weapons.