Nuclear deterrence in South Asia

461

The first nuclear strike may be considered an offence but the second nuclear strike is interpreted as retribution

It is insecurity that beckons deterrence to forestall — under the fear of consequences — any probable infraction by an attacker. Nuclear deterrence also falls in the same ambit and is considered an instrument to strike the balance of power between adversaries. There are three tiers of nuclear deterrence practised by South Asia’s two nuclear powers, India and Pakistan.