WASHINGTON: Pakistan is increasing its nuclear stockpile and developingtactical nuclear weapons and new ballistic missile systems. In January2017, Pakistan conducted the first test launch of its nuclear-capableAbabeel ballistic missile, demonstrating South Asia’s first MIRV payload,and in early July, Pakistan demonstrated an expanded-range Nasr CRBM,”Pentagon link>top intelligence ChiefAshley said.
Islamabad is likely to proceed with its counterinsurgency operations andborder management efforts along its western border while sustainingcounterterrorism and paramilitary operations throughout the country, saysPentagon link> top intelligence Chief.
These efforts have had some success in reducing violence from militant,sectarian, terrorist, and separatist groups, but Pakistan will look to theUS and the Afghan government for support against anti-Pakistan fighters inAfghanistan, he added.
India seeks status as a global power, the Pentagonlink> ‘s top intelligence chief toldUS lawmakers on Tuesday, adding that as such New Delhi perceives itsstrategic forces as necessary elements to achieve that goal.
India has put its first domestically-built nuclear submarine, the INSArihant, into service, and is set to take delivery of its second nuclearsub, the INS Arighat, in 2018, Lt Gen Robert Ashley link>>, Director,Defense Intelligence Agency told members of the Senate Armed ServicesCommittee.
“New Delhi seeks status as a global power and perceives its strategicforces as necessary elements to achieve that goal,” Ashley said.
He said India continues to modernise its military to better posture itselfto defend its interests at home and in the broader Indian Ocean regionwhile reinforcing its diplomatic and economic outreach across Asia.
“Continued exchange of heavy fire between Indian and Pakistani forces alongthe Line of Control poses a risk of inadvertent or gradual escalation ofhostilities,” he said.
In 2017, the lengthy Doklam stand-off between Indian and Chinese forcesalong the Bhutan-China border heightened tension between India and Chinaand prompted both sides to increase their forces near the Line of ActualControl, he added.
“We expect that both sides will maintain this elevated force posture alongdisputed border areas through the remainder of 2018,” Ashley said.