Pakistan’s quest for balance in the context of the Indo-Pacific strategy

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper uses the balance of power theory to explain Pakistan’s quest for balance in the context of the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS). Although this strategy aims to achieve the goal of a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ and focuses on China’s rise in the Indo-Pacific region. However, it also has security implications for Pakistan. The question here is; how the Indo-Pacific Strategy affect Pakistan’s strategic behavior? We believe that the maritime security cooperation between the United States and India under the framework of IPS strengthens the relative capabilities of the Indian navy, creates a zero-sum situation for Pakistan, and undermines the balance of power that affects Islamabad's strategic behavior. If so, to what degree is Islamabad adopting balancing strategies to counterbalance the risk of Indian aggression or coercion? To what degree is Pakistan pursuing deeper security cooperation with Russia and China in the Indo-Pacific in pursuit of a more stable balance of power? It is pursuing a strategy of internal and external balance. Internally, it is focusing on modernizing the navy, purchasing advanced weapons, and developing strategies related to maritimes security. Externally, it is seeking deeper security cooperation with Russia and China, such as holding joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean, exchanging naval officials, and signing military cooperation and strategic partnerships to maintain the balance of power.