Stability on the Brink: Indian New Normal Policy and Threat of Nuclear War in South Asia

Since its independence in 1947, Pakistan faced a constant challenge by its eastern neighbour. India's attitude towards Pakistan had always centered on hostility and undermining its stability. Its disintegration in 1971 would not have been possible without India's crucial role. While Kashmir remains a bone of contention between the two South Asian states, India's aspiration to become the regional hegemon has complicated the relations between the two rivals even further. India desires regional hegemony while Pakistan deems it unacceptable. After the introduction of nuclear weapons in the South Asian Theater, it was believed that a balance had been achieved, but it was unacceptable for India. Cold Start Doctrine is conventional military strategy under which India will increase the efficiency of its forces so that it can invade Pakistan any time in a very short period. This strategy was neutralized by Pakistanwith the introduction of short-range tactical nuclear weapons and asserted that it would use this shortrange missile in case of aggression by the Indian military.Even in the presence of tactical nuclear weapons, India did not back out from acquiring enhanced capability and capacity to undermine Pakistan at any given time. India is discussing to change its nuclear doctrine, which will be supported by a missile defence system