Nuclear Powers and Terrorism: Challenges for Indo-Pakistani Strategic Stability

Both India and Pakistan are de facto nuclear powers, and nuclear weapons have become an important part of diplomacy between them. Nuclear deterrence has played a significant role in maintaining an ‘ugly stability’ between India and Pakistan. While neither aims at war, non-state actors can manipulate their relations, especially through terrorist activity. Any major terrorist action could (inadvertently) start a war between the two countries. There is no doubt that terrorist organisations have become a very serious threat in South Asia, as they have around the world. For this reason, among others, Pakistan is taking significant measures to fight terrorism and build good relations with India. At this stage, India must change its policy of consistently shifting blame onto Pakistan. Mutual trust and co-operation would be constructive in strengthening relations.