Proxy warfare and regional instability: The role of non-state actors in the Pakistan-India-Afghanistan triangle (2015-2025)

Proxy warfare has become a prominent feature of modern warfare and conflicts as both large and small states alike are pursuing these tactics to attain greater strategic leverage with minimal financial and political costs. South Asia has long been suffering from regional rivalries and disputes marked by tacit pitching of non-state actors or proxies having ramifications for the region and beyond. The geopolitical position of Pakistan coupled with the neighbourhood of India and Afghanistan has made the country highly susceptible to proxy warfare as evident from the events and incidents of past few years. The Indo-Afghan patronage of the militancy and separatism in Pakistan is not only detrimental to Pakistan’s security but also has implications for the regional security and stability. The qualitative research design has been applied to commission the instant study. For data collection, secondary sources including research articles, official statements and press releases, think-tank publications and newspapers have been consulted. The study will assist the government and policy-makers to adopt corrective measures to counter shenanigans of proxies and their handlers, thereby ensuring the stability, security and integrity of Pakistan.