FOR several decades, the United States has used sanctions as a counter-measure to stop nuclear proliferation. However, these are often discriminatory undermining the principles of non-proliferation regimes and efforts for global peace and security. The latest sanctions imposed by the US on the National Development Complex (NDC) and three commercial entities and baselessly questioning Pakistan’s strategic capabilities reflect ‘double standards‘ and once again raise concerns about the US-biased policy towards the region.
Pakistan, a responsible nuclear power, developed its nuclear capabilities to deter Indian aggression and maintain strategic balance in the region. Its ballistic missile program is designed specifically for deterrence, ensuring full-spectrum defence and providing second-strike capability. This allows Pakistan to respond effectively to Indian threats at tactical, operational and strategic levels.
The security imperative arises from Pakistan’s history, including wars, territorial disputes and India’s greater military capabilities, creating a security dilemma. The situation was further aggravated when India conducted nuclear tests in 1974 and 1998, intensifying Pakistan’s security concerns. Consequently, Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine is driven by security needs, with its strategic capabilities aimed at preventing potential military aggression and maintaining peace in the region. In contrast, India’s nuclear ambitions are largely motivated by a desire for prestige and to assert its great power status, rather than solely for defensive purposes.
For over two decades, the US has ignored India’s military capabilities and history of aggression, despite its strategic partnership with India. India has been building up its conventional and nuclear forces, particularly long-range missiles, complicating global security. The US continues to impose sanctions on Pakistan while facilitating India’s missile development. India’s Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), capable of targeting cities like Washington and Paris with nuclear warheads, pose significant security concerns.
The US has turned a blind eye to these developments, undermining non-proliferation regimes and highlighting double standards. Additionally, the US supported India’s Nuclear Supplier Group membership and waived sanctions for its nuclear production, while failing to sanction India for purchasing the S-400 or addressing its nuclear safety record. These actions reflect a shift in US policy towards containment of China, with India as a key player, although India’s reliability as a strategic partner remains uncertain.
Such policies intensify tensions between the rival states and create an environment of mistrust and uncertainty. When certain states tend to receive preferential support and exemptions in their military capabilities, it destabilizes the security environment by weakening arms control arrangements and confidence building, and eventually leads to an arms race and action-reaction syndrome.
Given that, it is essential to address these double standards and work for an unbiased, secure, and effective international framework to deal with nuclear and strategic issues. For this to happen, first, the US should adhere to the same standards and commitments to non-proliferation and effective and dispassionate arms-control arrangements for the broader interests of global peace and security.
To conclude, the US allegations against Pakistan’s missile program are unfounded and devoid of rationality. An unbiased approach is fundamental for promoting vital security interests in the region and beyond. The US should support a meaningful conflict resolution in South Asia. Finally, the US should realize that ignoring India’s military capabilities and its continued support and exemptions for geopolitical goals would only result in destabilizing the region and damaging the efforts for non-proliferation and global peace.
—The writer is Associate Director of Research at Balochistan Think Tank Network (BTTN), at BUITEMS, Quetta.
