The Dynamics of Cyberpolitics between India and Pakistan
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Date
2021
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
UMT.lahore
Abstract
The presence of cyberspace has greatly influenced the relationship between states especially
rival states. Internet has significantly influenced operations in several domain like finance,
military, industries, and more including politics. Though there are positive sides of network
generated system but it also has its dark side where hostilities, infiltration, sabotage, and other
offensive cyber methods can lead to cyber disputes and aggravate existing conflicts. This thesis
explores the dynamics of cyberpolitics between regional arch rivals India and Pakistan and
examine their strategic behavior in cyberspace using the Lateral Pressure Theory. The theory is
also used to assess India’s cyber capability and its stance vis a vis Pakistan in cyberspace. India is
actively engaged in cyberpolitics in the region with focus on Pakistan. To evaluate India and
Pakistan’s cyber capabilities and stances, the thesis considers and applies the framework of Cyber
State Profile Type provided by the Lateral Pressure Theory. After carefully analyzing and
assessing cyber disputes, APTs, and cyber methods between both states, India’s cyberspace stance
is discussed in detail. Both states are carrying out cyber-attacks as well as cyber espionage against
each other but India’s cyber campaigns are far more sophisticated than Pakistan. However, India’s
official documents manifest a defensive approach but the data suggests otherwise. The recent
increase in use of sophisticated cyber methods and international cyber partnerships manifests that
India’s approach is aggressive and may officially shift from defensive to offensive in near future.
The propensity of India’s expansion in cyberspace is far greater than Pakistan and the recent data
on cyber disputes confirms the notion. The thesis then discusses Pakistan’s cyber threat landscape
and implications with some recommendations on National Cyber Security Policy 2021
implementation. The analysis provides a profound insight into the dynamics and shaping up of
cyberpolitics between both states and adds to the research gap.