December 1, 2020 – December 2, 2020
The daunting scenario of India fighting a two – front war that transfixed military strategists since decades appears to be a closer possibility in the current context. Tensions soared between India and China over Ladakh in early 2020 when PLA reportedly seized about 40 square miles of Indian territory in the Galwan Valley and 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives, a first on the Sino – Indian front in decades. The ongoing military standoff led to India beefing up troops and heavy weaponry on the LAC with several officials and experts hinting towards an emerging two – front challenge for India. In October 2020, IAF Chief RKS Bhadhuria acknowledged the collusive threat posed by China and Pakistan and remarked that India was prepared to fight a two – front war if needed. Former Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran in an interview anticipated an enhanced military collaboration between China and Pakistan, fueling the existing conundrum over India’s two – front challenge. Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat in a recent statement speculated that Pakistan might try to take advantage of the situation at the LAC and warned Pakistan of incurring heavy losses if it attempted any misadventures at the border. India’s ties with Pakistan were already tense since the Pulwama terrorist attack and New Delhi’s decision to abrogate Article 370 in J&K. India’s ongoing stand-off and increasing proximity between China and Pakistan has revived concerns over a prospective strategic and operational collusion between their militaries.
In this context,
Does India face an immediate two – front challenge given the recent developments on the LAC?
To what degree are India’s fears of a China – Pakistan nexus in the context of a two – front conflict valid?
Can India withstand a two – front situation with its current capabilities?
What role does nuclear deterrence play in such a scenario given that India, China and Pakistan are nuclear powers? How does the current context influence nuclear stability in the region?
How will the diplomatic and political factors play out in case of a military escalation?
What will be the role of external actors/alliances and the implications of a two – front war for the geo-politics in the region?
