Pakistan has urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the “recurring” incidents of theft and illegal sale of nuclear and radioactive materials in neighboring India.
A recent Indian media report revealed that police in Bihar’s Gopalganj district arrested three individuals smuggling a highly radioactive Californium stone, which holds significant value on the international market.
“The Security Council should express serious concern about the repeated incidents of theft and illicit trade in nuclear and radioactive materials in our Eastern neighbor,” said Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Munir Akram.
He made this statement to a UNSC committee established under resolution 1540, which mandates UN member states to take measures to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
Akram pointed to an incident in August 2024, where a group in India was caught in possession of Californium valued at $100 million. He also mentioned three similar thefts in India in 2021, suggesting the existence of a black market for sensitive materials.
At the same time, Akram emphasized the importance of balancing security measures with states’ rights to peaceful use of dual-use technologies. He reiterated that under resolution 1540, the Security Council requires all nations to prevent non-state actors from acquiring nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons, particularly for terrorist activities.
Akram highlighted Pakistan’s active role in the negotiation and implementation of UNSC resolution 1540, citing its robust command and control systems, legislative frameworks, and export control mechanisms that meet international standards. Pakistan has submitted six reports, developed a National Action Plan, and provided technical assistance to other countries to help implement the resolution.
The Pakistani envoy concluded by stressing that the 1540 Committee should focus on capacity-building and voluntary assistance, encouraging a refined mechanism that facilitates states in submitting specific requests and offers to address various provisions of the resolution.
