Evolving Dynamics of Nuclear South Asia

This is a collection of writings on the nuclearisation of South Asia and its continuing impact on the regional politics of the volatile region. Authored by Tariq Mahmud Ashraf, retired Air Commodore of the Pakistan Air Force, the comprehensive study discusses regional imperatives for the nuclearisation of the region; the Indian doctrinal thinking—the doctrine of the branches of the military, the Indian Ballistic Missile programme and the nuclear doctrine; essential elements of Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine and impact of nuclearisation on the military system of Pakistan. It analyses Pakistan’s existing strategic command and control structure, highlighting the problems areas and offering suggestions. It also presents an overview of the scenario concerning employment of nuclear weapons in future and their effects and addresses crucial questions involving nuclear transparency in the region and security of the nuclear arsenal of Pakistan.