South Asia is a region locked up in several conflicts and disputes that have resulted wars between India and Pakistan. They fought three major wars in 1965, 1971 and in 1999. Both countries are racing to enhance their nuclear weapons. There are several other countries in South Asia, having different ways of relations with each other whereas Pakistan and India has hostile relations. India being the most populated and an economic giant has dominance over the regional states except Pakistan because it is a nuclear country and therefore poses a challenge to India in South Asia.
Pakistan and India have detonated their nuclear devices, India on 1974 while Pakistan on 1998. They are racing to achieve their nuclear and conventional weaponry goals. However, Pakistan is just trying to maintain balance of power with India whereas India is trying to tip the scale of balance in its favour.
India has more conventional weapons than Pakistan and is still improving its conventional and nuclear weapons so that it can create its hegemony in the regions. Both countries still lack effective second strike capability but India aims to achieve it by 2020. India is not only developing but also improving its nuclear warheads. This will further speed up the arms race in South Asia which does not sound well for the region.
HABIB ALI BALOCH
Islamabad