By Safia Gull Kakar
The strategic landscape of South Asia is mainly defined by the balance of power equation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, India and Pakistan.
The strategic thinking and policies of the Indian leadership have become a constant driver of the evolving security dynamics of South Asia, and India’s growing military capabilities, alongside with its doctrinal shifts, are challenging the regional security environment.
In recent years, India has undertaken a massive military modernization program in conventional and nuclear domains. India’s military modernization efforts are driven by strategic ambitions in the region and beyond. India’s steady economic growth has enabled the country to import advanced military technologies and to boost indigenization. India is currently the world’s second-largest arms importer, despite its massive investment in indigenization. India’s strategic partnership with the United States, France, and Israel has enabled the country to acquire advanced military technologies, as evidenced by its long-range missile systems, sea-based capabilities, and the import of advanced fighter jets. India’s acquisition of sophisticated military and dual-use technologies is leading to strategic imbalances in the region, compelling Pakistan to take countermeasures to strengthen the strategic balance in line with its policy
Currently, India has the world’s second-largest military and the fifth-largest defense budget. According to the Global Firepower Index 2025, India ranks fourth among the world’s most powerful militaries. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is enhancing its offensive and defensive capabilities. India is upgrading its military for a qualitative and quantitative advantage in South Asia, and it is receiving support from the US and Israel to strengthen its space-based capabilities. Similarly, India continues to modernize its naval capabilities, including the submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) such as K-4 and K-5. India is further procuring advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Jamming capabilities for offensive use.
These developments show a major shift in India’s military posture from deterring China and Pakistan to building capabilities with global reach. In recent years, India has significantly expanded its missile program, focusing heavily on long-range systems. These developments complicate South Asia’s security landscape, undermine existing international nuclear norms, and could even challenge the strategic interests of the US and its allies worldwide. India is developing more advanced long-range missiles, such as the Agni-V and the Agni-VI. The Agni-V can reach 5,000 to 7,500 kilometers, while the Agni-VI is expected to extend up to 10,000 kilometers. Additionally, the Agni-VI is reported to be capable of carrying multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs). Recently, India reportedly tested its most advanced hypersonic cruise missile, which is reportedly designed for deployment from land, sea, and air platforms. The missile is dual-capable, carrying conventional or nuclear payloads.
These advanced systems show that India is aiming for greater global influence and military reach. With ICBMs, MIRV technology, SLBMs, and Anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, India is moving beyond regional defense towards capabilities that give it a much wider strategic presence. Alongside its military modernization in conventional and nuclear domains, India`s aggressive and Hindutva-driven policies towards the region, especially Pakistan, are posing serious threats to regional peace and stability. Hindu nationalism, since Modi came to power, has dominated the Indian political landscape while also influencing its military posturing. BJP is believed to be the political wing of RSS, which is an Indian right-wing, Hindu nationalist, and paramilitary volunteer organization. The Indian government policies are largely driven by the Hindutva ideology, which is the belief in the hegemony of Hinduism in India and the establishment of the country as a Hindu.
After the revocation in August 2019, of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, granting a special status to Jammu and Kashmir, the then Army Chief and India`s Defense Minister issued provocative statements about Kashmir. Continuing this trend among Indian leaders, Indian Defense Minister Ranjanth Singh recently issued a statement about Sindh, a province in southeastern Pakistan, saying, “Today, the territory of Sindh may not be part of India, but civilisationally, Sindh will always be part of India. And as far as territory is concerned, borders can change. Who knows, maybe tomorrow Sindh will once again become part of India.” These provocative statements by Indian political and military leaders reflect Indian strategic ambitions that are putting peace and security in the region to the test.
Pakistan, to face India’s policies and military posture, should continue to reinforce its policy of full-spectrum deterrence within the ambit of credible minimum deterrence. To reduce mistrust, both countries need to take concrete bilateral steps. One important measure is restoring diplomatic missions as part of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), which would also help resume trade and improve communication. Furthermore, India should work with Pakistan to enhance diplomatic engagement at international forums, and both sides should also strengthen and institutionalize existing CBMs. Along with this, resolving the long-standing Kashmir dispute is essential for lasting peace, stability, and security in South Asia. True progress in Kashmir cannot be achieved without respecting the people of Kashmir’s right to self-determination and implementing the relevant United Nations resolutions.
Author: Safia Gull Kakar – Graduated in International Relations at BUITEMS, Quetta and currently serving as a Research Intern at BTTN, at BUITEMS, Quetta, Pakistan.
(The opinions expressed in this article belong only to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of World Geostrategic Insights).