The recent escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan has brought renewed focus on regional security and stability. Triggered by the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, and followed by India's military response, "Operation Sindoor," the situation has become increasingly complex, with India now calling for international oversight of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal.

The catalyst for this crisis was the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed in the Baisaran meadow. The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), which India alleges is a proxy for Lashkar-e-Taiba, sparked widespread outrage in India. This was one of the deadliest attacks on tourists in the region in decades.

In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched "Operation Sindoor" in the early hours of May 7, 2025. This operation involved precision strikes against what India described as terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoJK). Indian forces reportedly struck nine locations, including key training and operational hubs linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. These strikes were executed with pinpoint accuracy by Indian forces, including Rafale jets equipped with SCALP missiles and HAMMER bombs. India asserted that the mission, which lasted only 23 minutes, exposed gaps in Pakistan's air defense network. The Indian government stated that the strikes were carried out in a focused, measured, and non-escalatory manner, with considerable restraint in the selection of targets and methods of execution and that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted.

Pakistan responded to Operation Sindoor with unprovoked firing across the Line of Control (LoC), resulting in civilian casualties. From May 7 to May 10, there were reports of drone incursions from Pakistan that targeted sites in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. India claimed to have intercepted and thwarted these incursions. In response to Pakistan's drone and missile attacks, India reportedly struck 11 Pakistani air bases, causing significant damage to Pakistan's air force infrastructure.

Amidst these escalating tensions, India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has called for Pakistan's nuclear weapons to be placed under UN supervision. This demand has ignited a debate about the safety and security of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, with India labeling Pakistan an "irresponsible" nation. Concerns about the security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons are not new. There have been long-standing concerns about the potential for nuclear materials falling into the wrong hands, given the country's history of political instability and the presence of extremist groups. Some reports suggest that Pakistan has around 170 warheads, enough to devastate South Asia.

Pakistan has reacted strongly to India's demand, accusing Singh of displaying insecurity and frustration regarding Pakistan's defense capabilities. Pakistan dismissed India's understanding of the IAEA's mandate as ignorance and alluded to "repeated theft and illicit trafficking incidents involving nuclear and radioactive material in India," urging the IAEA and the international community to focus their concerns there.

The situation is further complicated by the involvement of international actors. India has briefed the US, UK, UAE, and Russian governments on Operation Sindoor. However, the possibility of the UN Security Council imposing sanctions on Pakistan's nuclear program is slim, given China's position as a permanent member and its close ties with Pakistan.

The events of the past few weeks have significantly altered the dynamics between India and Pakistan. Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's willingness to conduct deep strikes inside Pakistan. India has also made it clear that it will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail and will respond decisively to terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail. Whether the international community will heed India's call for UN supervision of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal remains to be seen. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation.