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Limited war with Pakistan viable option: Experts

Former foreign secretary Shyam Saran and ambassador Rakesh Sood also suggested trying out multiple options, saying binary options to political leadership isn't a good idea.

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Nuclear weapons have proved to be no deterrent to Pakistan, said security experts, suggesting that India should build conventional weapons strength instead. Nuclear expert Manpreet Sethi said a limited war with Pakistan is a possibility, and suggested India try that as a possible solution to end sponsoring of terrorism.

Former foreign secretary Shyam Saran and ambassador Rakesh Sood also suggested trying out multiple options, saying binary options to political leadership isn't a good idea. "They impressed upon the need to restructure the forces as part of a long-term solution to strengthen our forces," they said.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh, who released a book titled Nuclear Order in the 21st Century on Sunday, expressed concern at recent developments that have led to greater unpredictability and increasing the likelihood of a nuclear strike, the first time since 1945. "The most important challenge today is to ensure the nuclear taboo, that has prevented its use since 1945, continues to be preserved," he told an audience of strategic thinkers.

The book is a collection of papers written by former practitioners and scholars from across the globe, and is edited by Rakesh Sood, former PM's Envoy for Disarmament and now a distinguished fellow at ORF.

Dr Singh said there was an asymmetry in terms of doctrines, arsenals and technology, and that the world was becoming increasingly concerned about growing nuclear risks. "The existing nuclear order is coming under strain," he said, adding that some of the old arms control agreements are being consigned to history while countries modernise their arsenal with tactical and low-yield weapons.

"The goal of nuclear disarmament seems to be receding. Nuclear deterrence theories, developed to address the Cold War rivalry, are being redefined by strategic thinkers in a world grappling with threats of rising nationalism, extremism and terrorism," the former PM said. He added that political dynamics of the 21st century have changed dramatically compared to the Cold War era, and so have the technologies.

Nuclear science and technology, which have matured over the last 70 years, have also become easier to access and acquire, he said. "This generates new proliferation risks and challenges. Moreover, new uncertainties are being created, thanks to developments in artificial intelligence, and growing space and cyber vulnerabilities," he said.

They Said It

  • Former PM Manmohan Singh said the challenge is to ensure nuclear taboo is preserved.
  • He said developments have led to greater unpredictability, increased threat of nuclear strike
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