At the Nawaz Sharif “ Barack Obama summit in Washington, a joint statement issued by both countries discussed the US’ help on funding energy and water projects, an agreement to resume India-Pak talks, talks with the Taliban, and action against the Lashkar-e-Toiba and other UN designated terrorist organisations and individuals.
But, in the case of Pakistan’s nuclear programme, there were no promises of curbs. While the US expressed concern at the growing nuclear arsenal, Pakistan claimed that the building of small nuclear missiles was to deter a sudden attack by India. India and Pakistan have already fought three major wars, in 1965, 1971 and 1999, apart from many minor clashes on the border. Now, Pakistan has constructed bases on the border in the event that India mounts an attack. But, India has already signed a No First Use agreement which means that the only thing it might do is start an arms race with Pakistan.
However, remaining vigilant with the understanding that should Pakistan fire a nuclear missile, the US will clamp down on Pakistan from an economic standpoint, must be India’s plan. Pakistan needs America more than it needs to prove a point by starting a nuclear war with India, who must also realise that years of stockpiling nuclear weapons hasn’t yet deterred Pakistan from engaging in double talk, or skirmishes on the border.
