The Agreement on Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities is a significant treaty between India and Pakistan. Recently, both countries have exchanged a list of their nuclear installations, as per the agreement. This exchange has brought to light the importance of this agreement and raised questions about its history, significance, and the current state of India-Pakistan relations.
Understanding the Agreement on Prohibition of Attacks against Nuclear Installations and Facilities
This agreement mandates that both countries inform each other of their nuclear facilities. Signed in 1988 and ratified in 1991, this pact has been followed by the two nations for 31 consecutive years. The covered facilities under this agreement include nuclear power and research reactors, fuel fabrication, uranium enrichment, isotopes separation and reprocessing facilities, as well as any other installations with fresh or irradiated nuclear fuel and materials in any form, and establishments storing significant quantities of radioactive materials.
The Significance of the Pact
The need for this agreement was realized against the backdrop of Israel’s bombing of Iraq’s Osirak reactor near Baghdad in 1981 that significantly impacted Iraq’s nuclear weapons programme. Additionally, certain military developments in India, such as Operation Brasstacks in 1987, which was a war game exercise to prepare for deep strike offensive capabilities, had put Pakistan on high alert, adding to the urgency to formalize such an agreement.
Existing Issues in India-Pakistan Relations
Despite the existence of this agreement, there are several other contentious issues that strain the relationship between India and Pakistan. These include concerns about cross-border terrorism supported by Pakistan, the ongoing disputes around the Indus Water Treaty, the Siachen Glacier, Sir Creek, and the recent reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir.
Cross Border Terrorism and the Indus Water Treaty
India consistently expresses its concern over terrorism activities originating from areas controlled by Pakistan. As a response to this, there have been occasional debates around revising the Indus Water Treaty, a treaty administered by the World Bank that regulates the utilization of waters of the Indus flowing in both countries.
The Siachen Glacier and Sir Creek Conflicts
Siachen, known as the world’s highest, deadliest and costliest battlefield, has been another point of contention between the two countries. Likewise, the 96km long strip of water in the Rann of Kutch marshlands known as Sir Creek, is disputed, with both countries holding differing interpretations of the maritime boundary line between Kutch and Sindh.
Reorganization of Jammu & Kashmir
The recent reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir by India has also become a crisis in Pakistan, particularly as it removed the large territory of Ladakh from the ongoing Kashmir dispute. The move has led to failed attempts from Pakistan to gather international support against it.
Looking Towards the Future
Despite these differences, India and Pakistan agreed to strictly observe all agreements, understandings, and ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and all other sectors, effective February 2021. However, real progress will require political will, mutual desire and courage to make difficult decisions. The persistent struggle of Pakistan to prove its parity with India has hampered relations, and the lack of a strong democratic government in Pakistan has often resulted in bilateral engagement becoming ineffective due to military interference.