How Pakistan rhetoric threatens nuclear non-attack pact with India
Pakistan, in its continuing escalation of rhetoric over Operation Sindoor, has threatened to suspend all bilateral agreements with India, including the critical India-Pakistan Non-Attack Agreement on Nuclear Installations, amidst rising tensions triggered by India's decision to put the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in abeyance.This threat has brought the longstanding nuclear accord, a cornerstone of regional nuclear stability, into sharp focus, raising concerns in diplomatic and security circles worldwide.advertisementPakistan's provocative move followed a stark warning from its ambassador to Russia Muhammad Khalid Jamali, who on May 4 stated that Islamabad 'would use nuclear weapons' if India launched military action. The statement has deepened anxiety over South Asia's fragile nuclear stability and pushed the 1988 nuclear non-attack agreement to the centre of geopolitical conversations.Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his recent address to the nation, sent a strong message in response to what he called Pakistan's 'nuclear blackmail'. 'India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. We have only kept in abeyance our operations against Pakistan; the future will depend on their behaviour. Operation Sindoor is now India's new policy against terrorism— a new line has been drawn,' Modi declared, signalling a hardened stance.
The India-Pakistan Non-Attack Agreement, signed on December 31, 1988, and in force since January 27, 1991, mandates both nations to refrain from attacking each other's nuclear facilities and to exchange lists of such installations annually on January 1. This confidence-building measure—one of the few to survive decades of conflict—saw its 34th consecutive exchange this year, as confirmed by the ministry of external affairs on January 1.advertisementThe agreement encompasses a wide range of nuclear facilities, including research reactors, uranium enrichment plants, fuel fabrication units and other establishments dealing with radioactive materials. Over the years, it has stood as a rare pillar of restraint and transparency, even during periods of intense hostility between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.However, Pakistan's renewed nuclear posturing and threats to revoke the pact have reignited international concerns. The nuclear flashpoint has prompted questions not just about regional stability but also about Islamabad's nuclear responsibility.Back in 2022, US president Joe Biden had labelled Pakistan as 'the most dangerous country in the world', citing its nuclear arsenal and lack of internal cohesion. The same year, the US commerce department blacklisted Pakistani firms for diverting items to its nuclear programme, adding fuel to international suspicions.Recently, after the pause in military offensive between India and Pakistan, defence minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing troops in Kashmir, openly questioned whether nuclear weapons were 'safe in the hands of an irresponsible and rogue nation' and called upon the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to supervise Pakistan's nuclear arsenal.Amidst media speculation about whether Indian military strikes during Operation Sindoor had hit Pakistan's Kirana Hills—a known nuclear site—the IAEA clarified that there was no radiation leak or nuclear incident in Pakistan. The Indian Air Force (IAF) also denied targeting any nuclear facility, with Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, director general air operations, stating categorically: 'We have not hit Kirana Hills, whatever is there.'advertisementAccording to a 2024 report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India currently holds 172 nuclear warheads, slightly up from 164 in 2023, while Pakistan's count stands at 170, unchanged from last year. However, Pakistan's ally China has surged way ahead, amassing 500 warheads, adding a complex third dimension to South Asia's nuclear dynamics.As the diplomatic fallout deepens, global attention is now fixated on whether Pakistan will formally suspend the nuclear non-attack pact—a move that could unravel one of the last remaining safety valves in a volatile neighbourhood already on the edge.Subscribe to India Today MagazineTune InMust Watch
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
8 minutes ago
- Hans India
Farooq Abdullah takes ride in Kashmir's Vande Bharat train, says will boost tourism
Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and president of the ruling National Conference (NC), Dr Farooq Abdullah, said on Tuesday that the train service to Kashmir Valley will boost tourism and the local economy. Dr Farooq Abdullah said this after boarding the Vande Bharat train from Srinagar to Katra. He told reporters before boarding the train, 'I am very happy that I am travelling by this train to Katra today. It has been the biggest benefit for us.' He said that since the train service connects Kashmir with the rest of the country, it will boost tourism as well as the local economy. 'It is a reliable transport link for the people of the Valley. The road between Srinagar and Jammu gets closed sometimes, and the airlines start fleecing the people by jacking up the prices. With this train, people will be saved from that. This will also prove to be beneficial to the horticulture sector in Kashmir as the produce will reach the markets faster', he said. After reaching Katra, he could not hide his happiness and said, "I'm so happy that tears welled up in my eyes. Has that day really come when I can travel from Kashmir to the rest of India by train?... I want to congratulate all the workers and engineers who built the highest railway bridge in India...' He was accompanied by several party colleagues, who joined his journey from Srinagar to Katra town of Reasi district in Jammu division. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vande Bharat train service from Katra to Srinagar on June 6. The Vande Bharat train takes three hours to reach Katra from Srinagar and vice versa. The dream railway link to Kashmir Valley from Katra has 37 tunnels and scores of bridges, including the Chenab Railway Bridge, which is the World's tallest railway bridge standing 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower of Paris. The railway link also includes the Anji cable-stayed railway bridge, which is India's first cable-stayed railway bridge. The Vande Bharat train has been especially designed for the weather and topography of the region. It offers a modern and enhanced travel experience with features like fast acceleration, a high-speed operation of up to 160 km/hr, and a range of amenities. These include comfortable seating, mobile charging sockets, onboard catering and enhanced safety features. Safety and Security features include KAVACH signalling technology, CCTV cameras in all coaches, emergency push buttons, talk-back units, fire extinguishers, and aerosol-based fire detection and suppression systems. Fully sealed gangways, automatic plug doors, reclining and ergonomic seats, mobile charging sockets, bio-vacuum toilets, sensor-based water taps, and a passenger information system. Onboard Catering includes a Mini pantry with provisions for a hot case, bottle cooler, deep freezer, and hot water boiler. The train has a Special lavatory for Divyangjan (physically challenged) passengers, emergency openable windows, and disaster lights in case of emergencies. Executive Class has revolving seats and premium seating with more leg space. The train has direct and diffused lighting for a pleasant ambience, Wi-Fi, smoke alarms, an odour control system, and a coach condition monitoring system.
Indian Express
16 minutes ago
- Indian Express
‘Have had no time to discuss in last 15 days': Supriya Sule sidesteps question on buzz over NCP factions reuniting
NCP (SP) working President Supriya Sule on Tuesday avoided a direct response on the speculation about the rival NCP factions coming together, saying she was busy with other responsibilities and had no time to discuss the party affairs. Asked if she is remembering 'dada' — her cousin and rival NCP head Ajit Pawar — on the Nationalist Congress Party's 26th foundation day on Tuesday, the Lok Sabha member told reporters that she has six brothers, and she remembers them every day. To a query on whether she will call Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to wish him on the party's foundation day, Sule said, 'I speak to all my brothers on different occasions.' The NCP, founded by Sharad Pawar, split in July 2023 after nephew Ajit Pawar joined the then Shiv Sena-BJP coalition government. The party name and its clock symbol were given to the Ajit Pawar faction, while the one headed by the former Union agriculture minister was christened NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar). There has been speculation that the two factions could be looking at burying the hatchet and reuniting. To a query on a section of the NCP (SP) having the same feeling and Sharad Pawar saying all decisions regarding the party will be taken by her, Sule said, 'I have had no time to discuss the party affairs with party leaders or meet my family for the last 15 days.' Everyone has the right to express their views and opinions in a democracy, she added. 'NCP is an organisation founded by Sharad Pawar and is functional for 26 years. Everyone, whether they are with us or not, has contributed to the growth of the party. There was teamwork. I am remembering R R Patil, who is no more,' she said. Sule recently led a multi-party delegation and travelled to some of the foreign countries to convey India's stand following Operation Sindoor, the parliamentarian said she will be leaving in the afternoon for New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet members of multi-party delegations which travelled abroad
NDTV
17 minutes ago
- NDTV
Modernisation, Self-Reliance Focus In Defence Production: PM Modi
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that significant changes have unfolded in the defence sector in the 11 years of his government, with a clear focus on both modernisation and self-reliance in defence production. He said on X, "The last 11 years have marked significant changes in our defence sector, with a clear focus on both modernisation and becoming self reliant when it comes to defence production. It is gladdening to see how the people of India have come together with the resolve of making India stronger." PM Modi shared a thread from a government's citizen engagement platform, which highlighted the changes in different areas as the prime minister completed 11 years in office on Tuesday. In just 11 years under PM Modi's visionary leadership, India has revolutionised its defence capabilities, deepened strategic global partnerships, and achieved historic milestones in space exploration, it said. Guided by his resolve for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', the nation has embraced self-reliant innovation and expanded its influence in trade and technology, it added. "India's Rise in 11 Years: Power, Partnerships, and Progress," it said, putting out the government's initiatives and subsequent changes in different fields. India's defence exports have soared to Rs 23,622 crore in 2024-25 from Rs 1,940 crore in 2014-15, the post said, noting the country also unveiled its first indigenous aircraft carrier in INS Vikrant. It said, "This is the story of India's rise as a confident, decisive, and respected global leader driven by PM Modi's bold vision and unwavering commitment to a stronger Bharat." India's missile power had its precision and reach elevated, it said, mentioning Brahmos extended range version, which was successfully test-fired from Su-30 MKI, among others. The threat also highlighted India's robust ties with other countries, noting the inking of its "historic" trade deal with the UK and comprehensive economic power agreement with the UAE. Highlighting India's commitment to global peace, it said the country stands as a leading force in UN peacekeeping, with over 2.9 lakh troops deployed across 50 missions worldwide. During the pandemic, India also provided two lakh COVID-19 vaccine doses to UN peacekeepers, supporting health and safety on the frontlines of peace, it added.
