Strategic Stability in South Asia: Challenges and Implications for India

South Asia one of the most populous densely populated and volatile regions in the world remains in a state of ?Unpleasant Stability?. Despite rich historical cultural and political linkages the region has embarrassingly poor mutual understanding and hence integration. While the failure of South Asia?s desired evolution as a cohesive region can be attributed to several factors ranging from terrorism strained bilateral relations and the absence of military and strategic cooperation; India?s own engagement in the region has been found wanting even though it has evolved over the years. A reinvigorated South Asia has the potential to vastly improve the lives of its 1.7 billion citizens ? nearly one-fourth of all humanity ? particularly India the largest country of the region. The book is an important and valuable contribution as it attempts to bring under one volume a holistic understanding of the concept of strategic stability in South Asia; opportunities and challenges in the present geopolitical and geo-economic environment; to include rise of religious fundamentalism strategic alliances / emerging partnerships between countries of the region and extra regional powers. It also analyses and puts forth recommendations for India?s own rise peace and stability a ?sine qua non? for India to retain its pre?eminence in South Asia.