Will Pakistan destroy India?
The scenario of a nuclear war between India and Pakistan is catastrophic, but it does not necessarily mean that one country would completely destroy the other. Here are some key points to consider:
Immediate Effects
- A nuclear war between India and Pakistan could result in the immediate deaths of 50 to 125 million people, depending on the yield of the nuclear weapons used13.
Mutual Destruction
- Both countries would suffer significant damage. India's superior conventional forces might give it an initial advantage, but Pakistan's lack of a "No First Use" policy and its reliance on tactical nuclear weapons could lead to a devastating nuclear exchange24.
Global Consequences
- The war would not only affect the immediate region but also have global implications, including a significant reduction in sunlight reaching the Earth's surface due to soot from nuclear fires, leading to global cooling and mass starvation13.
Military Capabilities
- India has a larger and more advanced military, but Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is substantial, with around 170 nuclear weapons, which is close to India's 16424.
Scenario Outcomes
- In a hypothetical scenario where Pakistan launches nuclear weapons, India would likely respond with its own nuclear arsenal, leading to mutual destruction and widespread devastation on both sides. Neither country would emerge unscathed, and the conflict would have severe and long-lasting consequences for both nations and the global community23.
In summary, while a nuclear war between India and Pakistan would be incredibly destructive, it is unlikely that one country would completely destroy the other without suffering immense damage itself. The outcome would be a mutual catastrophe with far-reaching global consequences.