Sher Ali Kakar, a Research Fellow at the Balochistan Think Tank Network in Quetta, Pakistan, in his recent column expresses concerns on India’s long-range missile capabilities and their potential impact on international security.
Given that India’s missile programme has the capability to strike both the vast majority of Chinese territory and the entirety of Pakistani territory, Kakar argues that it presents a threat to international stability.
While India’s long-range missiles, including the Agni-IV (4500km range) and Agni-V (5500km range), increase the scope to cover the entire Chinese mainland, Kakar notes that the country’s short-to medium-range missiles are primarily created for Pakistan.
The continuous development of missiles that can travel farther than these ranges—the next Agni-VI, which is expected to have a range of 12,000–16,000 km—signals India’s goal of nuclear superiority and force projection.
According to the article, India’s goal of developing long-range missile capability is a push for international recognition as well as a calculated strategic move.
India hopes to make a name for itself on the global stage by entering the group of nuclear-armed nations with Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) capability, alongside other major players like the US, China, Russia, the UK, and France. This action is indicative of India’s aim to strategically impact and reshape global affairs.
Kakar highlights that India’s pursuit of superpower status is symbolised by its development of long-range missiles, which defies regional dynamics. He points out that the US and the West still support India despite concerns about its nuclear safety and security record.
This support includes access to advanced technology and fissile materials, which are made possible by the unusual Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) waiver, allowing India to improve its ability to produce nuclear weapons.
Kakar criticises the US and the West for allegedly ignoring India’s nuclear safety and security concerns, despite the nation’s advances in the intercontinental range of its missile programme.
According to him, India is receiving help and exemptions that appear to be in breach of international law and the non-proliferation regime’s commitments. This includes access to advanced technologies.
