Leaving the domain of irregular warfare aside, we find Pakistan often speaking of tactical nukes to counter our strike forces when they enter across the IB. This is as big a ploy as the supposed nuclear ambiguity of the Eighties and the ghost Pakistan Army Reserve Centre of 1990 which forced caution on us. 2002 saw the inception of the Proactive Strategy forcing Pakistan to take counter measures. It is now attempting to gain a psychological advantage with threats of tactical nukes. Mr Parrikar’s approach of doing some plain speaking will probably lead him to be taken quite seriously. These mind games is something that Pakistan has been adept at. It is about time that a credible political leader speaks in a similar tone. Infusion of offensive spirit and looking beyond irregular warfare is something that a Defence Minister with an intellectual mind and proper understanding of strategic issues can bring to the Indian military scene which has been beset with insurgencies and terrorism for some time.