Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for increased international oversight of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. Singh voiced these concerns during an address to soldiers in Srinagar, questioning the safety of nuclear weapons in the hands of what he described as an "irresponsible and rogue nation". He specifically suggested that Pakistan's nuclear weapons should be placed under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Singh's statement follows a recent military conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, triggered by an attack in Pahalgam, Indian Kashmir, that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. India retaliated by striking what it claimed were "terrorist camps" in Pakistan, leading to a series of cross-border exchanges before a ceasefire was reached. This military confrontation, described as the worst in nearly three decades, has heightened concerns about regional stability and the potential for nuclear escalation.
India has long expressed concerns regarding the safety and security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons. These concerns are rooted in Pakistan's history of supporting terrorist activities and its perceived lack of responsible behavior on the international stage. India maintains that Pakistan's nuclear threats cannot be taken lightly and necessitate global scrutiny. This concern was amplified by a recent statement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who asserted that India would not be deterred by "nuclear blackmail" from Islamabad and would retaliate with force against any new attacks.
Pakistan swiftly responded to Singh's remarks, dismissing them as a manifestation of India's "insecurity and frustration" with Pakistan's defense capabilities. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry countered by suggesting that the IAEA and the international community should instead be concerned about the "repeated theft and illicit trafficking incidents involving nuclear and radioactive material in India". This accusation alludes to the possibility of a black market for sensitive materials within India.
The IAEA, a UN-affiliated organization based in Vienna, is responsible for monitoring nuclear programs worldwide to ensure that nuclear technologies are used peacefully and responsibly. While the IAEA currently monitors several Indian civilian nuclear facilities under a 2008 agreement, it does not have the authority to inspect or oversee Pakistan's nuclear arsenal.
The call for international supervision of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal has ignited debate about the role of the international community in ensuring nuclear security in a volatile geopolitical environment. Some analysts argue that international oversight is necessary to prevent nuclear proliferation and reduce the risk of nuclear conflict. Others, however, express reservations about the effectiveness and feasibility of such measures, citing concerns about sovereignty and the potential for political interference.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, rumors circulated about a potential Indian strike on Kirana Hills, a region in Pakistan believed to house elements of its nuclear arsenal. While the Indian military has denied these reports, the speculation underscores the heightened tensions and the delicate nature of nuclear deterrence in the region.
As tensions between India and Pakistan persist, the international community faces the challenge of addressing concerns about nuclear security while promoting dialogue and stability in the region. The call for IAEA supervision of Pakistan's nuclear weapons highlights the urgent need for cooperation in preventing the misuse of nuclear weapons and ensuring global security.
