India’s stand on Pakistan’s nuclear posture

India’s Defence Minister expressed strong concerns about Pakistan’s repeated threats of using nuclear weapons in response to India's actions. He questioned whether such weapons were safe in the hands of what he called a "rogue and irresponsible" state. He further stated that: “Pakistan’s nuclear weapons should be placed under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).”

What is the IAEA and why is it relevant here?

• Created in: 1957
• Headquartered at: Vienna, Austria (UN Office)
• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is a UN-affiliated body based in Vienna.
• Widely known as the world’s “Atoms for Peace and Development” organization within the United Nations family, the IAEA is the international centre for cooperation in the nuclear field.
• India is a founding member of IAEA.
• IAEA reports to both the UNGA and the UNSC.
• It supervises civilian nuclear programs to ensure they are not diverted for military purposes.
• IAEA is not normally involved in monitoring a nation’s military nuclear arsenal unless that nation voluntarily allows it.
• So, placing nuclear weapons under IAEA control, would mean:
• Pakistan should allow external inspection or control over its nuclear weapons.
• This would be a major loss of strategic autonomy for any nuclear-armed state.
• India is using this demand more as a moral and diplomatic argument than a legally enforceable action.

Why is this statement important now?

• Repeated Nuclear Threats by Pakistan: Pakistan (leaders or media) have often invoked nuclear weapons as a deterrent whenever India conducts military operations. This has been labeled by Indian leadership as “nuclear blackmail.”
• Recent Signals from Pakistan: After India’s Operation Sindoor, Pakistan’s military reportedly signaled that its National Command Authority (NCA) — the body overseeing its nuclear arsenal — might convene.
• India’s Strategic Messaging: By questioning the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, India is:
  • Highlighting global concerns about proliferation risks.
  • Countering Pakistan’s nuclear bluff with bold diplomatic statements.
  • Attempting to shift the burden of escalation onto Pakistan.
• It is part of a wider strategic communication from India:
  • To discredit Pakistan’s nuclear threats.
  • To garner international sympathy and isolate Pakistan diplomatically.
  • To legitimize India's military responses as justified and restrained in the face of provocation.