Analyzing the Rise in Conventional Defense Force of India and its Impact on the Strategic Stability of South Asia

Abstract

This paper explores the rise in India’s conventional military forces and its implications for strategic stability in South Asia, framed within the security dilemma theory, which posits that one state’s increase in military power heightens perceived security threats for neighboring states. Since independence in 1947, India’s aspirations to establish regional dominance have intensified, resulting in significant investments in military modernization, including technologically advanced weaponry and defense agreements with powerful states. This study will address critical questions about India’s modernization efforts, the regional impact of the resulting conventional military imbalance, the effects on Pakistan’s security, and the implications for South Asia’s strategic stability. Furthermore, the study examines the socio-economic repercussions of heightened defense spending on regional stability and development. Through qualitative research, using content analysis of primary and secondary sources -- including government statements, military doctrines, and official document -- this analysis seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of India’s defense ambitions, which may exacerbate regional tensions and elevate the arms race, challenging nuclear thresholds. By examining the responses of Pakistan and other regional actors, the study contributes to understanding how such power asymmetries can threaten peace and development, underscoring the necessity for a balanced approach to regional security to promote lasting stability and mutual respect among neighboring nations.