NEWS – India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations and facilities through diplomatic channels recently under the agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear installations and facilities

THE AGREEMENT

• Also called Nuclear Installations Agreement
• Bilateral agreement between India and Pakistan
• Signed on December 31, 1988, and entered into force on January 27, 1991
• The agreement is aimed at preventing the risk of accidental or unauthorized attacks on each other’s nuclear facilities
• Primary objective – promote mutual confidence and reduce the risk of accidental nuclear incidents between India and Pakistan
• Both India and Pakistan are required to inform each other about the location and details of their nuclear installations and facilities – exchange of information is done on January 1 of each calendar year
• Emphasizes that the parties shall refrain from using force against each other’s nuclear installations and facilities

SIGNIFICANCE

• Confidence-building measure aimed at reducing the risk of accidental or unintended attacks on nuclear installations – contributes to regional stability
• Indicates a level of diplomatic engagement between India and Pakistan on nuclear-related issues – framework for peaceful coexistence in the realm of nuclear energy.
• While the agreement specifically addresses bilateral concerns between India and Pakistan, it also has broader implications for regional stability

LIMITATIONS AND CHALLENGES

• Pertains only to India and Pakistan – does not involve other neighboring countries or address broader regional security concerns.
• Does not address broader issues related to nuclear weapons, arms control, or comprehensive disarmament efforts.
• Tensions in other domains could impact the implementation and success of confidence-building measures.