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The nuclear logic

Sir, — Achin Vanaik in his article `A degenerating nuclear logic' (Jan. 23), has questioned the logic of nuclear strategy. The philosophy of massive retaliation and feasible response evolved over a period as the U.S.S.R acquired increasing nuclear weapons' capability. A nuclear war is unlikely amongst parties with matching nuclear capability. Every State tries to gain military superiority and the same is true for nuclear weapons.

Let us not forget that the conflict between India and Pakistan has not arisen due to nuclear arms. It had already existed and Pakistan had acquired nuclear weapons earlier than India. To understand the nature of the conflict between the two, we need to go beyond Kashmir. What are the so-called foreigners from the UAE, Arabia, Algeria and Chechnya doing in Kashmir? Why is Pakistan arming insurgents in eastern India? We cannot imagine that India will show restraint in the face of vital national interests.

Brig. S.C. Sharma (retd.),
Mumbai

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