Pakistan has expressed deep concerns over repeated incidents of theft and illegal sale of nuclear and other radioactive materials in its eastern neighbor, India, calling on the United Nations Security Council to take the issue seriously. The demand comes, as nuclear security is a major global concern.

During a Wednesday briefing on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540, Munir Akram – Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN – emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into these incidents.

He urged the Security Council to take decisive measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Pakistan highlighted the recent incidents in which a group in India was found illegally in possession of highly radioactive and toxic material known as californium, valued at $100 million. Additionally, three other cases involving the theft of keys related to sensitive materials were reported in India in 2021.

Akram emphasized that these incidents suggest the existence of a black market for such sensitive materials, raising serious concerns about regional and global security.

NON-PROLIFERATION:

In his statement, Akram reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the non-proliferation of nuclear materials and its adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1540.

He emphasized that Pakistan has effectively fulfilled its obligations under the resolution as a responsible nuclear power.

“We have established a robust command and control system, enacted stringent legislation to regulate the transfer of sensitive goods and technologies, and implemented a comprehensive export control system that meets the highest international standards,” Akram stated.

Akram noted that Pakistan has submitted six comprehensive reports outlining its efforts to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1540. These efforts include:

These steps, he added, reflect Pakistan’s proactive approach to upholding the resolution’s objectives.

DUAL-USE TECHNOLOGIES:

Akram also emphasized the importance of protecting states’ rights to the peaceful use of dual-use technologies and the need for a balanced approach in export control systems to ensure that they are not coerced or used as a tool of discrimination.

He proposed that either the Security Council or the General Assembly should form an inclusive, open-ended working group dedicated to ensuring equitable access to technology and tackling issues related to denial, discrimination, and developmental barriers.

NUCLEAR MATERIAL BLACK MARKET:

The recent incidents of theft and illegal sale of nuclear and other radioactive materials in India have sparked serious concerns about regional and global security.

Hence, the discovery of a black market for such dangerous substances in one of South Asia’s nuclear-armed states has brought into sharp focus the potential risks of nuclear terrorism and the broader implications for international stability.

The presence of radioactive materials in unauthorized hands poses a direct threat to regional stability, particularly in South Asia, where tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors like India and Pakistan remain high.

In a region already marred by historical hostilities and a volatile security environment, any potential leak of nuclear or radioactive materials could have catastrophic consequences.

NON-STATE ACTORS:

Such incidents could enable non-state actors or terrorist groups to gain access to materials that could be weaponized, leading to a new and dangerous security dynamic in the region.

Experts warn that the existence of a black market for radioactive materials heightens the risk of such materials being used in acts of terror, potentially targeting urban centers or strategic infrastructure.

The use of even a small quantity of radioactive material in a dirty bomb could create widespread panic, cause significant casualties, and disrupt economic activities, resulting in a crisis that would extend beyond the borders of South Asia.

The issue of nuclear security is not confined to regional dynamics; it has far-reaching global implications. The potential for radioactive materials to be sold on the black market and used in acts of nuclear terrorism represents a challenge to global non-proliferation efforts.

The international community has long sought to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and materials, and incidents like those reported in India threaten to undermine these efforts.

STORAGE OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS:

Incidents of this nature underscore the importance of robust and transparent regulatory frameworks for the handling and storage of nuclear and radioactive materials.

They also highlight the need for stringent measures to secure nuclear facilities and prevent unauthorized access. While South Asian countries have made strides in nuclear security, these incidents suggest that more needs to be done to ensure that radioactive materials do not fall into the wrong hands.

COORDINATED EFFORTS:

The recurring reports of illegal activities related to radioactive materials in India have prompted calls for a coordinated international response. Observers suggest that the UN Security Council and other international bodies should take notice of these developments and work with regional actors to ensure that appropriate security measures are enforced.

Addressing these concerns requires a multi-pronged approach, including sharing intelligence, enhancing border controls to prevent the smuggling of radioactive materials, and providing technical assistance to improve regulatory frameworks. Strengthening regional cooperation through dialogues and joint initiatives could help build trust and ensure that all countries in the region are taking necessary steps to prevent such incidents.

The broader global community must remain vigilant in supporting these efforts, as the consequences of radioactive materials falling into the hands of non-state actors could be devastating, not only for South Asia but for the entire world.

The international community must emphasize the importance of adhering to frameworks like UN Security Council Resolution 1540, which aims to prevent non-state actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction.

As the world grapples with evolving security challenges, the need for strict nuclear security measures has never been greater. The incidents in India serve as a stark reminder of the risks posed by insufficient regulation and the potential dangers of a thriving black market for radioactive materials.

But addressing these risks will require concerted efforts at the national, regional, and international levels to ensure that nuclear materials remain secure and that incidents of theft or illegal trade are swiftly addressed.

The stakes are high, and the international community cannot afford to overlook the potential consequences of such incidents. A failure to act could result in a security crisis with implications that extend far beyond South Asia, threatening the safety and stability of populations around the globe.