Strategic Sufficiency in India and Pakistan: A Review of Regional Writings and Prospects for a Nuclear Restraint Regime

The objective of this paper is to review the published writings of regional analysts regarding what India and Pakistan need for strategic sufficiency in terms of nuclear weapons and delivery systems. The writings of regional analysts fall naturally into three categories of increasing numbers of nuclear forces—minimalist, pragmatic, and aspirational. After reviewing the numbers presented within each category, potential restraint measures for fissile materials and weapons testing are discussed. For the proposed restraint measures, options are presented for concerned third parties, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency or the US, to serve as a facilitator.