Pakistan has expressed serious concerns over India’s new military approach to counterterrorism. Islamabad’s think tank, the Center for International Strategic Studies (CISS), warned that India’s ‘New Normal’ doctrine could increase instability in South Asia, a region already armed with nuclear weapons. The assessment came during discussions between CISS researchers and Australian experts, as reported in a media statement on Sunday.
CISS said that India’s approach, while presented as a counterterrorism strategy, could give New Delhi a reason to carry out unilateral military actions against Pakistan. The think tank cautioned that this doctrine could escalate tensions in any future crisis, raising the risk of serious confrontations.
Nuclear risks and military concerns
According to CISS, India’s ‘New Normal’ doctrine has been a central part of its defense policy since 2019 and was reaffirmed this year. The think tank said the approach signals a shift toward traditional cross-border military operations, such as those seen in Operation Sindoor.
CISS explained, ‘Institutionalising firm military responses in a nuclear-armed state is inherently destabilising.’ By relying on its conventional military advantages, India could increase the chances of miscalculations, potentially undermining the long-standing nuclear balance in the region.
Western support and regional implications
The think tank also highlighted that India’s growing military capabilities receive strong backing from Western countries, mainly intended to counter China. However, CISS argued that much of India’s enhanced strength is actually aimed at Pakistan. In other words, while Western nations support India to counter China, New Delhi may use these resources with Pakistan in mind.
Overall, CISS warns that India’s ‘New Normal’ doctrine, especially in a nuclear-armed context, could create instability and heightened tension, making the region more vulnerable to crises.
