Indo-Pak exchange list of nuclear installations

India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations and facilities as part of the agreement prohibiting attacks against nuclear facilities.

• This marks the 33rd consecutive exchange since the first exchange on January 1, 1992.

About the Agreement:

• The agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities was signed on December 31, 1988, and came into force on January 27, 1991.
• The treaty, signed by then Prime Ministers of Pakistan and India, holds significant importance in maintaining strategic stability in the region.
• It includes two copies each in Urdu and Hindi, symbolizing the bilateral nature of the agreement.
• The agreement mandates the annual exchange of lists of nuclear installations and facilities on January 1 of every calendar year.
• The definition of “nuclear installation or facility” within the agreement is comprehensive, covering a wide range of nuclear-related facilities and materials.

Significance and Impact of exchanging list of nuclear installations:

• This practice serves as a confidence-building measure between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, especially important given the historical and ongoing tensions.
• The exchange is a commitment to non-aggression towards each other’s nuclear assets and is considered a crucial aspect of nuclear risk reduction.
• Despite frosty diplomatic ties, particularly over issues like Kashmir and cross-border terrorism, both nations have adhered to this agreement, indicating its importance in their diplomatic relations.

Historical Context:

• The idea for such an agreement was spurred by the Indian Army’s exercise ‘Brasstacks’ in 1986, which raised fears of an attack on nuclear facilities, leading to subsequent negotiations between the countries.
• Over the years, the agreement has been a consistent element in the often-fluctuating Indo-Pak relations.

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