Context: India and Pakistan exchanged the list of nuclear installations, covered under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities.

About:

• India and Pakistan have a history of exchanging lists of their nuclear installations under a bilateral pact that prohibits the two sides from attacking each other's atomic facilities.
• This agreement, signed in 1988, mandates the two countries to inform each other of nuclear installations and facilities to prevent any conflict or misunderstanding.
• The 33rd consecutive exchange of such lists between the two countries took place on January 1, 2024, through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad.

Significance:

• This is the 33rd consecutive exchange of such lists between the two countries, the first one having taken place on January 1, 1992.
• The exchange of the list came amid weakening ties between the two countries over the Kashmir issue as well as cross-border terrorism.
• The agreement mandates both countries to inform each other about any nuclear installations and providing a confidence-building security measure environment.

How does the exchange of nuclear installations between india and pakistan impact global nuclear security?

• The exchange of nuclear installations between India and Pakistan impacts global nuclear security by promoting transparency and confidence-building measures between the two countries.
• This practice, which has continued for over three decades, serves as a bilateral pact that prohibits the two sides from attacking each other's atomic facilities. By exchanging these lists, both countries are able to maintain awareness of the other's nuclear installations, which can help prevent misunderstandings and reduce the risk of accidental conflict.
• This practice contributes to regional stability and enhances global nuclear security by promoting open communication and reducing the potential for miscalculation or unintended escalation.