By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed serious concern over a recent deal between India and Canada for the supply of uranium and advanced reactor technology, warning that it could destabilize regional security and weaken international nuclear non-proliferation standards.
Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the agreement, under which Canada will provide uranium and advanced reactor technology to India, represents an exception to international nuclear norms. He described the move as potentially disturbing the strategic balance in South Asia.
Historical context of India’s nuclear program
Andrabi recalled that India conducted its first nuclear explosion in 1974 using a reactor supplied by Canada. That test was a key factor in the creation of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), an international body aimed at controlling the export of nuclear materials and technology. “And now the same country whose actions led to the formation of the NSG is being given preferential facilities,” he said.
Concerns over transparency and safeguards
Pakistan also questioned India’s nuclear transparency, noting that India has not placed all its civilian nuclear facilities under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. The Foreign Office warned that importing foreign uranium could allow India to reserve domestic uranium for military purposes, further exacerbating regional security concerns.
Risk of arms race in South Asia
The spokesperson said the agreement could worsen the strategic balance in the region and potentially accelerate a nuclear arms race. Pakistan believes that such preferential arrangements may embolden military capabilities in South Asia and increase instability.
Pakistan urged the international community to adopt uniform standards for nuclear cooperation, emphasizing that nuclear agreements should not be based on selective policies or discrimination. The Foreign Office stressed that Canada’s move could undermine the credibility of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and called for fair and consistent rules to ensure the effectiveness of worldwide non-proliferation efforts.
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