Indo-Pak Complex Nuclear Posturing: An Analysis of Bumpy Road from Kargil to Parakram (1999-2001)

Abstract

This qualitative study deals with the question, how the nuclear posturing effected and fueled the already existing complex relationship between India and Pakistan soon after the nuclear detonation in 1998? On May 28th, 1998 when Pakistan detonated its nuclear weapon as a result of India’s series of nuclear tests earlier in the same month. Based on the realist assumption, it was presumed that nuclear weapons would equalize ‘terror with terror’ and will ensure peace. Moreover, Lahore Summit added in the hopes further. However, the dangerous Kargil crisis and dramatic acts of terrorism in major Indian cities added elements to the stability-instability paradox that was entirely unanticipated by Western deterrence strategists. After 2001 attacks on Indian parliament and continuous violation on LOC aggravated the fragility of peace in South Asia. The nature and pattern of relations between the two regional rivals are highly significant for the domestic, regional and global peace and security. However, it is extremely difficult to obtain the reliable information related to the foreign policy and security decision making process due to lack of thorough documentation culture in India and Pakistan. Moreover, the nuclear policy (in particular) on both the sides are kept even more vague thus any research related to nuclear issue in south Asia face this limitation.