Preview: Ever since India and Pakistan conducted their nuclear tests in 1998, it has been the favourite pastime of many analysts writing on nuclear issues to cast the strategic stability in South Asia in dark tones. This urban myth is primarily a Western invention although at times writers in the subcontinent as well have taken some part in it. However, a closer look at the environment in South Asia and the mechanics and requirements for a nuclear arms race would clearly establish the extremely unlikely possibility of an arms race in South Asia.