India’s Strategic Conventional Weapon Systems: Implications on Strategic Stability in South Asia

Abstract

India has been working on the modernization of its strategic and conventional weapon
systems. So far, in terms of numbers, it holds a conventional ascendancy vis-à-vis
Pakistan. India is investing in the various domains including space technologies,
ballistic and cruise missiles and conventional weaponry. In the recent past, India has
worked on multiple military deals with the US, Russia and France. More so, it has gone
through doctrinal shifts that sum up the amount of research and development that has
been invested in building up the Indian military might. Under the umbrella of CSD,
India has plans for the amelioration of its conventional forces. In 2019, India became
one of the four nations to possess an anti-satellite weapon. With Indian provocative
measures under the CSD, Pakistan has been forced to respond back by shifting from
Credible Minimum to Full-Spectrum Deterrence. Hence, strategic stability in South Asia
is prevailing but with advanced strategic and conventional weapon systems, chance of a
limited conflict escalating into an all-out war is a very likely scenario.