ASSESSMENTS

In the India-Pakistan Conflict, the Stakes Are Higher Than Ever

Nov 4, 2015 | 09:15 GMT

Pakistani military personnel stand beside a low-yield battlefield deterrent short-range surface-to-surface missile during the Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad.
Pakistani military personnel stand beside a low-yield battlefield deterrent short-range surface-to-surface missile during the Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad.

(AAMIR QURESHI/AFP/Getty Images)

Ever since India adopted a proactive military strategy toward Pakistan in 2004, Islamabad has felt increasingly threatened and has sought to rely more on its nuclear arsenal as a counter. These developments have elevated the stakes in the Indian subcontinent. Although political constraints to nuclear conflict are strong for both New Delhi and Islamabad, the evolution in doctrine and force posture by both sides has lowered the barrier for a nuclear conflict. For instance, on Oct. 19, Pakistani Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry officially confirmed Islamabad's plans to use low-yield nuclear weapons to forestall the advance of Indian troops under New Delhi's "Cold Start" doctrine....

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