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Rethinking the nuclear dimension in India-Pakistan relations
Doctrinal asymmetry, limited escalation thresholds, and China's shadow demand a recalibration of India's strategic posture
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 "Shyam Saran")
India's air defence system intercepts objects in the sky, after India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement, in the city of Jammu, May 10, 2025 (Photo: Reuters)
When any two states with nuclear weapons engage in armed hostilities, a possible escalation to an exchange using nuclear weapons can never be ruled out. Therefore, in the India-Pakistan context, any conventional war will inevitably carry the seeds of a nuclear exchange. Given their geographical proximity, no distinction is possible, indeed plausible, between their use of shorter-range theatre nuclear weapons and longer-range strategic weapons. Even a theatre nuclear weapon would result in massive destruction. What distinguishes a theatre weapon from a strategic one is the command-and-control mechanism applicable to the use of the weapon rather than its yield. If
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Shyam Saran
Shyam Saran is a Honorary Senior Faculty and Member of the Governing Board at Centre for Policy Research. He is a former Foreign Secretary of India and has served as Prime Minister’s Special Envoy For Nuclear Affairs and Climate Change. After leaving government service in 2010, he headed the Research and Information System for Developing Countries, a think tank focusing on economic issues (2011-2017) and was Chairman of the National Security Advisory Board under the National Security Council (2013-15). He is currently Life Trustee of India International Centre, Member of the Governing Board of the Institute of Chinese Studies, a Trustee at the World Wildlife Fund (India) and Member of the Executive Council of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2011 for his contributions to civil service.
 "Shyam Saran")
First Published: Jun 25 2025 | 9:20 PM IST
