Indian Attempts to Dominate South Asia Under Modi

Implications for Pakistan

Abstract

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The Research paper attempts to address one central question: what will be the impact of growing Indian domination in South Asia on Pakistan? India has been ambitious and aggressive in its policy in South Asia since its inception. The theory of Offensive Realism by John Mearsheimer is best applicable to the aggressive actions of India. Since Nehru’s era, the foreign policy of India has been guided by the desire to dominate South Asia. The capture of Goa, air defense agreement with USA and request for help from USA after the 1962 Sino- Indian war in stark contrast to non alignment policy are some of examples of his efforts to dominate South Asia. His policy was carried on by Indira Gandhi in more concrete terms. The Indira Doctrine and the peaceful nuclear explosion at Pokhran in 1974 give an insight into her realist policies. Then, Rajiv Gandhi’s bilateral policies towards Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives and Sri lanka were in perfect tune to Indira’s doctrine. Nuclear explosions in 1998 and Indo-US deal in 2005 attested to the realist tendencies in Indian foreign policy. Modi, since the day of his election to the office of Prime Minister, has been hell bent on exercising Indian power in South Asia. He is taking offensive measures to isolate Pakistan in the region. During his tenure, Indian increased influence in Afghanistan, cooperation with Iran, improved relations with South Asian neighbors, except Pakistan and the cancellation of SAARC summit to be held in Islamabad symbolizes his aggressive foreign policy. Stability of South Asia has been tempered owing to India’s offensive actions. Policy options for Pakistan to counter India include: preventing India from limited war, developing Tactical Nuclear Weapons, strengthening relations with neighbors and realizing full potential of CPEC.