Pakistan expressed on Tuesday serious concerns regarding the theft and illicit sale of nuclear and radioactive materials in India, following a recent incident involving the recovery of highly toxic californium.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch reacted to reports of a gang's arrest in India, found in possession of californium, a highly radioactive substance valued at $100 million.
The recovery, which occurred in the Gopalganj district of Bihar, has intensified scrutiny on India's security measures.
“This incident raises significant questions about the efficacy of New Delhi’s security protocols for handling nuclear and radioactive materials,” Baloch stated.
She noted that this latest episode is part of a troubling pattern, citing three previous thefts of californium reported in 2021, and a recent case where a radioactive device allegedly stolen from the Bhabha Atomic Research Center was recovered from a group of five individuals in Dehradun.
Baloch emphasised that such recurring incidents suggest the presence of a black market for dual-use materials within India. She urged the international community to demand transparency from Indian authorities regarding how these sealed radioactive materials ended up in unauthorized hands.
The spokesperson called for a thorough investigation into these security breaches and stressed the need for measures to prevent future occurrences. “The dangerous nature of these materials makes it imperative that their handling is strictly regulated to avoid potential risks,” she added.
The arrest of the gang in Bihar has put additional pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, already facing scrutiny over its handling of sensitive material security.
Pakistan’s call for a rigorous international response underscores the gravity of the situation, reflecting widespread concern over nuclear safety in the region.
