THE revelation that India now possesses a larger nuclear arsenal than Pakistan, as documented by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s recent report, may not come as a surprise to many observers but it should be a matter of serious concern and worry for the world community as possession of such a substantial cache of destructive weapons by a country governed by extremist and belligerent Modi poses a serious threat not only to the regional peace and stability but the world at large.
Under Modi’s leadership, India’s nuclear policy appears increasingly entangled with a Hindu nationalist agenda, exemplified by the concept of Akhand Bharat which seeks to unify territories beyond India’s current borders. The inclusion of regions which are legitimately part of Pakistan on the Akhand Bharat map displayed in the Indian Parliament underscores the provocative nature of this ideology. Over the last few years, India has signed many big ticket defense deals. In addition, their ideological driven nuclear program and emphasis on longer range weapons, clearly indicate India’s hegemonic designs.
Its nuclear program, deeply intertwined with the revisionist and ideological agenda, is becoming increasingly opaque. It surpasses the opacity of even Israel’s and North Korea’s nuclear programs, raising questions about transparency and international norms. It is really deplorable that the world community, especially the influential capitals are silent on it. The Indian military is also undergoing a process of “saffronization,” marked by communal and political influences, which further complicates regional stability. Outstanding Kashmir dispute is indeed a nuclear flash point in South Asia. To achieve lasting peace in the region, there needs to be a concerted effort to address disputes, rectify conventional asymmetries and maintain strategic balance. Without such efforts, the prospect of stability remains uncertain and the repercussions of ideological-driven nuclear policies could be far-reaching.
