Journal Article - Quarterly Journal: International Security
India’s Counterforce Temptations: Strategic Dilemmas, Doctrine, and Capabilities
Summary
As India struggles to deter threats from Pakistan, the leadership in Delhi appears to be developing a nuclear arsenal that extends beyond the country’s declared policy of credible deterrence and no first use of nuclear weapons. Statements from former Indian defense officials and India’s quest for enhanced nuclear capabilities reveal a possible strategy of a preemptive strike against Pakistan’s nuclear forces in a crisis. This strategy could produce a cycle of escalation between India and Pakistan with implications that extend far beyond South Asia.
For more information on this publication:
Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation:
Christopher Clary and Vipin Narang, “India’s Counterforce Temptations: Strategic Dilemmas, Doctrine, and Capabilities,” International Security, Vol. 43, No. 3 (Winter 2018/19), pp. 7–52, https://doi.org/10.1162/ISEC_a_00340.
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Analysis & Opinions
- Foreign Policy
Did Pakistan Just Overhaul Its Nuclear Doctrine?
Analysis & Opinions
- The Diplomat
Shifting Nuclear Sands in South Asia: Understanding India’s Counterforce Temptations
Report
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Revitalizing Nuclear Security in an Era of Uncertainty
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Report
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Arctic Climate Science: A Way Forward for Cooperation through the Arctic Council and Beyond
Paper
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Attacking Artificial Intelligence: AI’s Security Vulnerability and What Policymakers Can Do About It
Summary
As India struggles to deter threats from Pakistan, the leadership in Delhi appears to be developing a nuclear arsenal that extends beyond the country’s declared policy of credible deterrence and no first use of nuclear weapons. Statements from former Indian defense officials and India’s quest for enhanced nuclear capabilities reveal a possible strategy of a preemptive strike against Pakistan’s nuclear forces in a crisis. This strategy could produce a cycle of escalation between India and Pakistan with implications that extend far beyond South Asia.
Christopher Clary and Vipin Narang, “India’s Counterforce Temptations: Strategic Dilemmas, Doctrine, and Capabilities,” International Security, Vol. 43, No. 3 (Winter 2018/19), pp. 7–52, https://doi.org/10.1162/ISEC_a_00340.
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Analysis & Opinions - Foreign Policy
Did Pakistan Just Overhaul Its Nuclear Doctrine?
Analysis & Opinions - The Diplomat
Shifting Nuclear Sands in South Asia: Understanding India’s Counterforce Temptations
Report - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Revitalizing Nuclear Security in an Era of Uncertainty
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Report - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Arctic Climate Science: A Way Forward for Cooperation through the Arctic Council and Beyond
Paper - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Attacking Artificial Intelligence: AI’s Security Vulnerability and What Policymakers Can Do About It