India’s radioactive riddle

Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) has spoken up about the reports of recurring incidents of theft and illicit sale of nuclear and other radioactive materials in India, rightly calling this an issue of grave concern. This statement comes days after the police in Bihar, India, arrested three smugglers with 50 grams of radioactive californium worth 8.5 billion Indian rupees. Three incidents of theft of californium were also reported in 2021 in India. Last month, five individuals with a radioactive device reportedly stolen from Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) were also found in Dehradun. The FO has said that these recurring incidents call into question the measures taken by New Delhi for the safety and security of nuclear and other radioactive material. These incidents also suggest the existence of a black market for sensitive, dual-use materials inside India. The FO has rightly said that the international community seeks an earnest disclosure from the Indian authorities as to how a sealed Radioactive Source (SRS) material, like californium, was in the possession of the apprehended individuals. “It is dangerous for such sensitive material in India to be routinely found in the wrong hands. Pakistan reiterates its call for a thorough investigation of these incidents and for adequate measures to prevent their recurrence.”

Pakistan is rightly asking India these questions. Being a nuclear country, India should have had strict security protocols in place. However, the incidents from 2021 and this year show that there is a huge security lapse in India when it comes to radioactive material. ‘Californium’ is a restricted radioactive substance used in nuclear power plants, portable metal detectors and the treatment of cancer. As per media reports, its sale and purchase are prohibited in India. Therefore, such repeated incidents are a cause of worry because not only do they point to the possible existence of a nuclear black market, but also indicate the lax arrangements in India to secure imported SRS material. India is quick to lecture others on such issues but has not done enough to secure its own country. These are reported incidents of illegal possession of radioactive material. There may be unreported incidents of theft of such material as many may not have been caught for their crimes.

There needs to be a proper investigation into all of this. We have seen how the world reacts to nuclear proliferation in one way when something like this happens in countries like Iran or others that are not Western allies but doesn’t even raise an eyebrow when it is countries that are its allies like India. The FO’s statement should not be taken as a statement from a country with traditional rivalry with its neighbour but as a statement from a responsible nuclear country with proper security protocols in place and which expects the same from its nuclear-armed neighbour. It is also important because we would not want any such dangerous nuclear materials infiltrating borders or making their way to dangerous and irresponsible hands. India should answer these questions that have been raised by Pakistan and also ensure the safety of their nuclear material.