India's MIRV Missile Test Raises Escalation Concerns with China, Expert Warns

India's successful test of an advanced ballistic missile has significantly altered the regional security landscape, according to a security expert.

Debak Das, an assistant professor at the University of Denver, believes that while the test strengthens India's deterrence against China, it also carries the risk of unintended escalation in potential conflicts.

On March 11th, 2024, India conducted a test of its Agni-V missile, equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. This technology allows a single missile to carry multiple warheads, each capable of striking different targets.

Security Implications​

Das acknowledges that while India's MIRVs enhance its defence posture, China likely maintains a numerical and qualitative advantage in nuclear weapons delivery systems.

He also points out India's plans for an Integrated Rocket Force, using various conventional missiles to counter China's military presence. This force will include the short-range Pralay missile, specifically designed to deter Chinese forces.

Das's Analysis: Key Concerns​

Das's primary concern is that MIRVs, while bolstering India's nuclear defence, might create a false sense of security that could lead to greater aggression in conventional conflicts.

If India believes its nuclear deterrent is stronger, it might be more likely to use the Integrated Rocket Force against China along the disputed border, risking unintentional escalation of the conflict.

Call for Dialogue​

Das emphasizes the urgent need for India and China to engage in open dialogue and confidence-building initiatives. The development of advanced missile technology underscores the critical importance of preventing miscalculations that could spiral conventional disputes into a devastating nuclear exchange.

 

[Surendra Barsode]

The point is this..as long as China does not misbehave, everything will be fine. And India will match China's capabilities to ensure strategic balance. Any more Galwan and Xi will rue it!!!

 

[Girish Tyagi]

China looses advantage as soon as you have low level conflict.

 

[Amit]

China funded analysis cowards such as Das are the reason China have showed us eyes...India is ready for any eventuality and any escalation we will strike with all force we are ready to die so we can kill all CCP chinese too...

 

[Sandeep]

India has improved its nuclear strike capabilities but now we need to increase the number of nuclear weapons that we have. Currently most of our nuclear missiles have been aimed at Pakistan but we need to increase the quantity to a level that can destroy both Pakistan and China entirely with major cities being the target.

 

[R Rao]

Time has come for India to Test & Induct Agni6/K6/ASTRA3/RUDRAM3/KALI/DURGA/Brahmos2. The World will put pressure on us but India needs to do what's best for us

 

[Alok Gupta]

Obviously Debak Das doen't know much about offence/defense posturing of China and is writing this article with a vested interest against India. One wonders if he is supporter of the Communist party of India. and on possible Chinese payroll. As long as China behaves and stays in it's shoes, everything will be fine. Once China tries to be aggressive, then India will have to respond. No more bullying by China.

 

[desigandu]

this the same defeatist thinking that prevented us from improving Border infrastructure and calling China, our #1 enemy, even after the 1962 loss...India desperately needs a comprehensive National Security Strategy, followed by a National Defense and Military Strategy, tied to capabilities, budgets, timelines etc...Till we get this level of transparency, things will be ad-hoc, reactionary and we will always play catch up...I just hope/wish/pray that after 2024 elections, we will embark on a formal National Security thinking/culture and institutionalize it, via a law/statute on the books that mandates a NSS every 2 years and links it to Budgets/Capability...Everything must flow from the Constitution to Goals/Objectives/Policies into a National Security Strategy, which is then linked to everything that GOI/States does/should do..

 

[Sunnyj]

Meaning we need more of these ASAP.