Operation Brasstacks and the Fragile Security Dynamics Between India and Pakistan

The rift between Pakistan and India goes back to the partition, which was followed by a civil war. The murder and destruction of hundreds of thousands of people is sufficient evidence to back the statement. However, the dispute over the de facto annexation of the princely increased the trust already in place, which resulted in the war three times. But the wars ended short of achieving the desired objectives and increased the hate and animosity between the two sides. Scepticism about the war was so strong that the military exercises in conjunction with international order sounded like the drumbeat of a coming war. Similar to 1986-87, when the Indian army participated in an extensive military exercise in Rajasthan state close to the Redcliff that was later withdrawn in Pakistan as the declaration of war. The military exercises are known in the form of "operation Brasstacks".

"Brasstack" was the code name for an exercise conducted by the part of the Indian army. It was the brainchild of General Sundarji of the Indian army and was monitored and carried out under his orders. It was unique and was designed to be carried out near the border between Pakistan and India in Rajasthan. It consisted of at least two lacs, fifty thousand soldiers, armour vehicles, and the air force.

The objectives for brass tacks objectives needed to be clarified. This was an exercise for the military to test and evaluate the potential capabilities of the Indian forces. However, it is also a matter of politics. It was designed to pressure Pakistan to cease supporting the rebels within Indian Punjab, where Sikhs have initiated their free Khalistan movement.

Pakistan was busy cutting down the Russian bears in Afghanistan in a "hit and flee" way. It was too expensive to wage an all-front conflict. It responded with a diplomatic solution. It also deployed the army reserve South and reserves of the army North to confront an immediate danger. There was even a general report suggesting that nuclear weapons were to be deployed, but the fact was that, at the time, Pakistan was not equipped to enrich weapons-grade Uranium.

Diplomatic efforts by America and other nations with whom they have friendly relations have convinced India to limit its activities in space and with humans. The de-escalation process also began on the Pakistan side in February 1987, and the conflict was quelled.

Brasstacks can have a wide-ranging impact in stabilizing South Asia. It has helped Pakistan to increase its nuclear programme. In India, domestic tensions arose due to the program's secrecy, which resulted in the collapse of the Defense ministry. In addition, both sides began collecting massive weapons, and a race to acquire arms was launched that did not look like a positive sign for the region.

Operation Brasstack is a visible manifestation of the vulnerability in the area of security fragility. As both countries were nuclear powers that had not been declared, the need for a conflict was crucial in generating a fire to disintegrate the ammunition. These unsavoury incidents signify the lack of trust between both nations. As we have discussed, this lack of confidence and trust resulted from history's evolution. It implies that such events were virtually unavoidable since they were the cause of creating an environment of tension and are only eliminated if the problems that appear to be the basis for the tense environment aren't resolved. This requires the resolution of all outstanding disputes, particularly the problem of Kashmir, which is the main conflicting issue and the reason that causes both nations to be in the middle of the constant risk of having their daggers drawn. Many believe that the political system is the reason for the non-settlement, and in actuality, for creating disputes between Indian Pakistan and Indian Pakistan. If political leaders show determination and resolve, the masses' lives could be blessed. This is the only way an event like Operation Brasstacks can be prevented.