S-400 and its implications.

'India and Pakistan can agree on one thing: neither wants the other one around', writes Tim Marshall in his book 'Revenge of Geography'. The states that consider each other their rivals are always embroiled in a security dilemma. If one state adds any new weapon to its defences, then other states comprehend this as a power imbalance. Hence, in return, the second state will also boost its defence to maintain the balance of power. This spiral goes on and both states continue developing their defence. Such is the case of Pakistan and India, the arch-rivals which since independence, have fought four wars. India wants hegemony in the region while Pakistan is a major obstacle for India. India is following an offensive realist policy to maximize its power, its acquisition of S-400 and deployment at the Pakistan border is destabilizing regional stability. S-400 is a 'mobile air-defence system' that has the capability to engage cruise missiles, aircraft and ballistic missiles. S-400 attracts many states to buy it because of its advanced technology. It has engagement radar, and surveillance radar and can fire four types of missiles, including a short range of up to 40km, medium range of up to 120km, long range of up to 250km, and missiles up to a range of 400km. India has been trying hard to acquire the S-400 air defence system. The only hindrance was the danger of sanctions imposed by the US under Countering American Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which allows the US President to impose sanctions on states that engage in arms deals with Russia. New Delhi is Washington's partner in countering Beijing. India has got a waiver from the US because Washington cannot impose sanctions on New Delhi as it would create ill feelings against America in India. The US needs India in the Indo-Pacific. It is a major nonNATO ally of the US being part of the QUAD that is meant to counter China in the region. There are several ambitions that have pushed New Delhi to acquire S-400. Obviously, military might is considered a major determinant to acquire hegemony in the region. As Mearsheimer states, the 'states must accumulate maximum power for themselves and should contend to flip the balance of power in their favour'; India is thus following the same hegemonic designs. It has found this as state-of-the-art weaponry which can strategically upgrade its military. In addition to this, New Delhi wants to establish multi-layer air defence over Mumbai and the...