India and Pakistan have upheld a vital diplomatic tradition concerning nuclear safety by exchanging lists of their nuclear installations and facilities. This ongoing practice embodies a confidence-building mechanism aimed at mitigating risks and ensuring strategic stability in South Asia.
On January 1, 2023, India and Pakistan exchanged their lists of nuclear installations, as mandated by a bilateral agreement. This simultaneous exchange, conducted in New Delhi and Islamabad, marks the 35th consecutive year of compliance with the agreement designed to prevent attacks on nuclear facilities.
The exchanges occur under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities. Signed on December 31, 1988, and effective from January 27, 1991, this agreement obligates both nations to inform each other annually about their nuclear installations and facilities included under the treaty.
The latest exchange was successfully conducted through diplomatic channels in both New Delhi and Islamabad. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, this exchange marks the 35th consecutive occurrence since the inaugural exchange on January 1, 1992, underscoring the commitment to agreed nuclear confidence-building measures.
Despite politically strained relations, this annual exchange exemplifies that both nations continue to respect critical safety-oriented agreements. It plays a pivotal role in maintaining strategic restraint, lowering the risk of accidental escalation, and promoting regional nuclear stability, especially as both nations are nuclear-armed.
Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) aim to diminish mistrust between rival nations. India and Pakistan have implemented several nuclear CBMs, including advance notifications of ballistic missile tests and direct communication hotlines between military officials. The exchange of nuclear installations lists stands out as one of the oldest and most consistently adhered to CBMs between the two countries.
The necessity for this agreement arose in 1986, following India's 'Brasstacks' military exercise, which heightened fears of a potential strike on nuclear facilities. This situation prompted both nations to negotiate terms to prevent such attacks, culminating in the establishment of this treaty.
Q1. Why do India and Pakistan exchange nuclear installation lists?
Answer: The exchange is a confidence-building measure aimed at reducing risks and maintaining strategic stability between the two nuclear-armed nations.
Q2. What is the significance of the 2023 nuclear exchange?
Answer: The 2023 exchange marks the 35th consecutive year of compliance with the agreement, reinforcing commitment to nuclear safety and preventing potential conflicts.
Q3. When did the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations come into effect?
Answer: The agreement came into force on January 27, 1991, following its signing on December 31, 1988.
Q4. How does the agreement promote regional stability?
Answer: By prohibiting attacks on nuclear installations, the agreement reduces the risk of escalations and fosters a stable diplomatic environment between India and Pakistan.
Q5. What are some other nuclear confidence-building measures between India and Pakistan?
Answer: Other measures include advance notifications of missile tests and direct communication hotlines between military officials.
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the India-Pakistan nuclear exchange?
A) To enhance military cooperation
B) To prevent attacks on nuclear installations
C) To conduct joint military exercises
D) To promote economic ties
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: When was the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations signed?
A) January 1, 1992
B) December 31, 1988
C) January 27, 1991
D) March 15, 1990
Correct Answer: B
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