She emphasized the potential dangers posed by these recurring breaches and suggested that the frequent occurrences could indicate the existence of a black market for dual-use, sensitive materials within India
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has voiced grave concerns following the arrest of a gang in India found in possession of highly radioactive Californium, valued at approximately US$100 million. This alarming incident is part of a troubling pattern of thefts and illegal sales of nuclear and radioactive materials in India, raising significant security alarms in the region and beyond.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch issued a strong statement on Tuesday, highlighting the severity of these incidents. Baloch pointed out that this latest arrest is not an isolated event, referencing similar thefts of Californium reported as recently as 2021. She also cited a disturbing case from just last month, in which five individuals were apprehended in Dehradun for possessing a radioactive device allegedly stolen from the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) in Mumbai.
“These repeated incidents cast serious doubt on the effectiveness of the measures taken by New Delhi to ensure the safety and security of nuclear and radioactive materials,” Baloch stated. She emphasized the potential dangers posed by these recurring breaches and suggested that the frequent occurrences could indicate the existence of a black market for dual-use, sensitive materials within India.
The spokesperson underscored the importance of adhering to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines, which mandate stringent controls and security measures for the handling and storage of radioactive materials. The IAEA’s regulations are designed to prevent exactly the kind of dangerous lapses that have been repeatedly exposed in India, where critical and sealed Radioactive Source (SRS) materials like Californium have fallen into unauthorized hands.
Baloch urged the international community to demand a comprehensive and transparent investigation from Indian authorities. She stressed the importance of understanding how such critical materials could be so easily accessed and traded illegally. “It is alarming that such sensitive materials are routinely falling into the wrong hands in India. Pakistan reiterates its call for a thorough investigation into these incidents and urges that adequate measures be taken to prevent their recurrence,” she added.
This latest development has heightened concerns about the safety and security protocols governing nuclear materials in India. Pakistan is calling for immediate international scrutiny to address the risks posed by these alarming lapses. The incidents not only raise regional security concerns but also threaten global non-proliferation efforts, as the mishandling of such hazardous materials could have catastrophic consequences.
The situation calls into question India’s compliance with IAEA standards, and whether the country is taking the necessary steps to safeguard against the misuse and illegal trade of radioactive substances. The international community’s response to these breaches will be critical in ensuring that such dangerous materials are not used for malicious purposes, and that global security is not compromised by these repeated failures.
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