The longstanding rivalry between India and Pakistan has significantly shaped the geopolitics of South Asia. Forged by their tumultuous history of partition, conflict, and competition, these two nations have maintained an uneasy coexistence for decades. However, the power imbalance between them has grown substantially in recent years, particularly in terms of military and economic strength, with India clearly surpassing Pakistan.

Grappling with internal challenges, Pakistan has found it increasingly difficult to keep pace with India’s rise. This power imbalance fundamentally shapes the dynamics of their relationship, placing Pakistan in a defensive posture despite the substantial financial, social, and diplomatic costs of its strategies. The protracted conflicts and hostility have saddled Pakistan with political stagnation, economic hardship, and military dominance.

This widening disparity forces Pakistan to confront a harsh reality. As India has emerged as a major regional and global player, its economic growth, military modernisation, and strategic alliances have contributed to a stark asymmetry between the two countries. This has compelled Pakistan to adopt a range of costly strategies to maintain the balance of power, including military buildup, nuclear deterrence, diplomatic maneuvers, economic partnerships, and the use of proxy forces.

To counterbalance India’s influence, Pakistan has pursued diplomatic solutions and established external alliances, particularly........

© Eurasia Review