STRATEGIC ANALYSIS

Pakistani Nuclear Use and Implications for India

Ali Ahmed

Volume: 

 34

Issue: 

 4

Articles

July 2010

The robustness of India's nuclear doctrine would face a severe challenge in the case of conventional military offensives into Pakistan in a future Indo-Pak conflict. Such offensives are possible in case Pakistan's nuclear threshold is taken as high and its doctrine one of 'last resort'. However, Pakistani nuclear use options may include lower order nuclear use. In light of this, it recommends that India take a serious look at the Limited War concept as well as revise its nuclear doctrine to 'flexible nuclear retaliation'. It suggests the 'Sundarji doctrine' as a possible option for the latter and recommends institution of a strategic dialogue mechanism with Pakistan to ensure nuclear conflict limitation.

Full Article