South Asian Instability

This book examines key concerns in South Asian security through a fine-grained history of the accidental firing of a missile and its aftermath between two nuclear-armed states—India and Pakistan—with tense relations in March 2022. It consolidates the official statements, media discourse and debates within the strategic communities in both countries into a coherent narrative. It looks at the role of key institutions in the crisis such as the Indian Air Force (IAF), The Directorate of Air Staff Inspection-IAF, Indian Ministry of Defence (MOD), Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Pakistani Foreign Office (FO), Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) and others. The book also examines the missile accident’s coverage in the international media and discussions in the global think-tank community.

Drawing on a host of resources, including published interviews of government officials, analyses in media, and strategic communities in India, Pakistan and the United States, this volume will be key reading for scholars and researchers of military and strategic studies, politics and international relations, public policy and South Asian studies.