ABSTRACT
Deep differences in Indian and Pakistani perceptions of sea power, and the roles assigned to naval forces in their respective security policies, led to the development of contrasting naval forces and capabilities. Whereas India began developing a balanced multidimensional blue water capability focused on an aircraft carrier to assert control over limited areas of sea Pakistan bolstered its submarine force in an attempt to deny India the use of the sea. Although both India and Pakistan are keenly interested in acquiring nuclear-related capabilities at sea, there are major differences between the two on the basis of political support, technological capabilities, and financial abilities. The nuclear tests of May 1998, and evolving Indian policy on nuclear forces, boosted its interest in controlling and operating nuclear weapons at sea. In effect, Pakistan's nuclear aspirations, unlike India's nuclear programs, are far more limited.
