Post-Nuclear Indian Foreign Policy towards Pakistan: A Story of Estrangement and Engagement
Keywords:
Indo-Pak relations, nuclear capability, post-nuclear policy, Neo-Classical Realism, nuclear deterrence.Abstract
Hegemony through expansionism remained the dominant thought of Indian mind since
partition. Such thought is the legacy of British colonialism, which made India to strive for
regional leadership. Successful nuclear tests of India paved its way to cherish its long
awaited dream of undoing Pakistan. But the thought and its power expression stumbled
with the nuclear detonation of Pakistan. The counter nuclear explosions of Pakistan
turned the desire of Akhand Bharath immaterialized. Pakistan’s nuclear capability
categorically made it vivid that peace in the region without being peaceful to Pakistan is
of no consequence. Pakistan’s explosions hushed the belligerent India, who was
dreaming of forceful acquisition of Kashmir. To be a hegemon and regional leader, India
revisited its bellicose foreign policy towards Pakistan and initiated peace process. The
journey of peace that started with Lahore declaration and moved towards Agra Summit
and CBMs, faltered when India rejected the involvement of Kashmiri leaders in their fate
decision. While following the footprints of Real Politik, India turned its bellicosity into
affirmation towards Pakistan but never compromised on strategic issues like Kashmir,
Siachin and Sir Creek. India agreed when India decided to agree without considering
Pakistan’s reservations. But the nuclear deterrence clarified Pakistan’s security posture
in the region and beyond. The inflexibility and stubbornness in Indian attitude keeps the
region prone to conflicts and violence as opposed to peacefulness for trade and
development.
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