India and Pakistan have exchanged lists of their respective nuclear installations and facilities through diplomatic channels in New Delhi (India) and Islamabad(Pakistan).This exchange falls under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities between the two countries.
Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack Against Nuclear Installations and Facilities
- The Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities was signed on 31st December, 1988, by the then Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and Indian PM Rajiv Gandhi.
- The treaty came into force on 27th January, 1991.
- The recent one is the 33rd consecutive exchange of such lists between the two countries, the first one having taken place on 01st January, 1992.
- Background: While other factors might have played a role, the direct trigger for the negotiation and signing of the agreement was the tension generated by the 1986-87 Brasstacks exercise by the Indian Army.
- Operation Brasstacks was a military exercise conducted in the Indian state of Rajasthan, near the Pakistan border.
- Mandate: The agreement mandates both countries to inform each other about any nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the agreement on the 1st of January of every calendar year, providing a confidence-building security measure environment.
- According to the agreement, the term ‘nuclear installation or facility’ includes nuclear power and research reactors, fuel fabrication, uranium enrichment, iso-topes 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.
Major Areas of Dispute Between India and Pakistan
Kashmir Dispute
- Line of Control Violations: Frequent ceasefire violations along the LoC, resulting in casualties and escalating tensions.
- Disagreements over Demilitarization: Calls for demilitarization on both sides of the LoC remain unaddressed, hindering progress towards peaceful resolution.
Terrorism
- Cross-border Infiltration: Accusations by India of Pakistan-backed militants infiltrating the LoC to carry out terrorist attacks.
- Designation of Terror Groups: Differences in designating militant groups as terrorist organizations by both countries create obstacles to counter-terrorism cooperation.
- Impact on Civilian Populations: Terrorist attacks claim innocent lives and foster further animosity between the two communities.
Water Sharing
- Construction of Dams: Dispute over construction of dams and hydroelectric projects on the Indus River and its tributaries, impacting water flow and usage rights.
- Implementation of Indus Water Treaty: Differences in interpreting and implementing clauses of the treaty regarding water allocation and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Trade and Economic Ties
- Trade Barriers: Restrictive trade policies and high tariffs imposed by both countries hinder cross-border trade and economic connectivity.
- In August 2019, Pakistan halted trade with India in response to constitutional amendments made in the Jammu and Kashmir region.
- India imposed a 200% tariff on Pakistani imports in 2019, when Pakistan’s Most Favored Nation (MFN) designation was removed in the aftermath of the Pulwama terrorist incident.
- Limited Cross-border Investment: Political tensions and security concerns discourage investment and joint ventures between businesses in both countries.
- Dependence on Third-party Trade Routes: Reliance on trade routes outside the region increases costs and reduces efficiency for both economies.
Regional Geopolitics
- China’s Role in Pakistan: Increased Chinese investment and presence in Pakistan, including projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, create concerns for India about strategic alliances and balance of power.