There is 'nuclear black market' in India, claims Pakistan; urges IAEA to probe theft, trafficking of radioactive material

Pakistan alleged that there is a "nuclear black market" in India and urged the global watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to probe into this.

According to media reports, Pakistan claimed that there have been instances of theft and illegal trafficking of radioactive material in India and urged the international body to ensure the "safety and security" of nuclear facilities and the arsenal of India.

Pakistan's request to IAEA came after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh questioned the safety of nuclear weapons in the hands of "rouge nation" Pakistan and asked the agency to take control of the nuclear weapons of the country. "I want to raise the question before the whole world: are nuclear weapons safe in the hands of Pakistan, a rogue and irresponsible nation," Singh had said.

Alleging theft of radioactive material and other such lapses in India, Pakistan's foreign office, in a statement said, “Pakistan urges a thorough investigation of these incidents and calls upon India to ensure the safety and security of its nuclear facilities and arsenal.”

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The statement further said the IAEA and the international community should be worried about the “repeated theft and illicit trafficking incidents involving nuclear and radioactive material in India.”

Responding to Singh's request to IAEA, Pakistan had said his statements showed that he was “ignorant of the mandates and responsibilities” of the global watchdog. 

Defence