Cooperative Measures to Support the Indo-Pak Agreement on Reducing Risk from Accidents Relating to Nuclear Weapons

In 2012, India and Pakistan reaffirmed the Agreement on Reducing the Risk from Accidents Relating to
Nuclear Weapons. Despite a history of mutual animosity and persistent conflict between the two
countries, this agreement derives strength from a few successful nuclear confidence building measures
that have stood the test of time. It also rests on the hope that the region would be spared a nuclear
holocaust from an accidental nuclear weapon detonation that might be misconstrued as a deliberate use of
a weapon by the other side. This study brings together two emerging strategic analysts from South Asia to
explore measures to support the Agreement and further develop cooperation around this critical issue.
This study briefly dwells upon the strategic landscape of nuclear South Asia with the respective nuclear
force management structures, doctrines, and postures of India and Pakistan. It outlines the measures in
place for the physical protection and safety of nuclear warheads, nuclear materials, and command and
control mechanisms in the two countries, and it goes on to identify the prominent, emerging challenges
posed by the introduction of new weapon technologies and modernization of the respective strategic
forces. This is followed by an analysis of the agreement itself leading up to a proposed framework for
cooperative measures that might enhance the spirit and implementation of the agreement