ISLAMABAD: India and Pakistan have exchanged lists of their nuclear installations through diplomatic channels on the first day of the new year, upholding a longstanding bilateral agreement designed to prevent attacks on atomic facilities. The simultaneous exchange at New Delhi and Islamabad underscores a rare mechanism of transparency between the two nuclear-armed neighbors despite persistent bilateral strains following recent military hostilities. This practice which began in 1992 highlights mutual recognition of the catastrophic risks associated with any assault on nuclear sites even in conventional conflicts.
The agreement formally known as the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities was signed on December 31 1988 by then Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan and Rajiv Gandhi of India. It entered into force on January 27 1991 after ratification by both parliaments. Under its provisions both countries are obligated to share updated lists of covered nuclear installations every year on January 1. The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi described the 2026 exchange as the 35th consecutive instance emphasizing its continuity as a confidence-building measure in South Asia’s volatile security environment.
This annual ritual has endured through multiple crises including the Kargil conflict the 2001-2002 military standoff the 2016 Uri attack and the 2019 Pulwama-Balakot episode. Even after recent four-day hostilities in May 2025 the exchange proceeded without interruption demonstrating the agreement’s resilience. Experts view it as one of the few enduring nuclear risk-reduction tools in the region predating the overt nuclearization following the 1998 tests by both nations. The pact prohibits direct or indirect actions causing destruction or damage to declared nuclear facilities while promoting transparency to avert accidental escalation.
According to the latest assessments from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute SIPRI the global nuclear landscape remains concerning with nine states possessing approximately 12241 nuclear warheads as of January 2025. Of these around 9614 are considered potentially operationally available with about 3912 deployed on missiles or at bases. The report notes ongoing modernization across all nuclear powers including India and Pakistan which continue developing advanced delivery systems. Such trends heighten risks in South Asia where conventional conflicts could rapidly involve nuclear dimensions as evidenced by early 2025 tensions.
SIPRI data indicates India has expanded its arsenal slightly reaching an estimated 180 stored warheads by early 2025 up from 172 the previous year. This growth accompanies advancements in canisterised missiles potentially allowing mated warheads during peacetime and future multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle capabilities. Pakistan maintains around 170 warheads while pursuing new delivery platforms and fissile material accumulation suggesting possible expansion in the coming decade. Both nations focus on credible minimum deterrence yet refrain from disclosing exact arsenal details publicly.
The exchange carries profound implications for regional stability given the proximity of population centers to nuclear infrastructure and the absence of broader arms control frameworks. Analysts argue that while the non-attack agreement mitigates direct threats it does not constrain weapons development or deployment. Amid eroding global arms control regimes including the impending expiration of key treaties the South Asian mechanism stands as a vital albeit limited safeguard against miscalculation. The continued adherence reflects pragmatic acknowledgment that nuclear escalation would prove mutually devastating.
This year’s development occurs against a backdrop of strained ties exacerbated by recent military engagements and unresolved disputes. Yet the routine nature of the exchange signals enduring commitment to basic nuclear safety norms. International observers commend the process as a model for confidence-building in tense nuclear rivalries while urging expansion of similar measures to include crisis communication hotlines and doctrinal transparency. Such steps could further reduce the probability of inadvertent conflict in one of the world’s most densely populated regions.
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The persistence of this agreement since its inception illustrates the potential for limited cooperation amid adversity. As global nuclear risks escalate with modernization and weakened multilateral regimes the India-Pakistan example offers cautious optimism for targeted risk reduction. Sustained implementation remains essential to prevent any erosion of this foundational accord in an increasingly uncertain strategic landscape.
Here is a relevant image depicting symbolic representation of India-Pakistan border in the context of nuclear stability and bilateral agreements.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-pakistan-exchange-list-of-nuclear-installations/article70459958.ece
Tags: India, Pakistan, SIPRI, Nuclear Facilities Exchange
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