In a significant diplomatic development, India and Pakistan today exchanged the annual lists of their nuclear installations and facilities. The exchange took place simultaneously through diplomatic channels in New Delhi and Islamabad, in line with the 1988 Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack Against Nuclear Installations and Facilities.
The Agreement, which was signed on December 31, 1988, and entered into force on January 27, 1991, mandates that both countries inform each other about their nuclear installations and facilities on the first of January every year. The 2025 exchange marks the 34th consecutive year that such lists have been exchanged, with the first exchange having taken place on January 1, 1992.
The exchange is a crucial aspect of the bilateral understanding between India and Pakistan, aimed at reducing the risk of accidental or unauthorized attacks on nuclear sites. By sharing this information annually, both nations reaffirm their commitment to the provisions of the Agreement, ensuring that their nuclear installations remain safe from potential threats.
While the specifics of the lists are not made public for security reasons, the routine exchange is seen as a positive step in maintaining stability and transparency in the region, particularly given the nuclear capabilities of both countries.
This year’s exchange continues the practice of adhering to established norms in nuclear risk-reduction mechanisms, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two neighbors. The Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack Against Nuclear Installations and Facilities remains a vital component of efforts to prevent conflict escalation and to ensure mutual understanding regarding nuclear safety.
Both governments have emphasized the importance of confidence-building measures like this, which serve to lower the chances of miscalculation in an already sensitive region.
In addition to this exchange, the two countries also maintain other confidence-building measures, including discussions on nuclear and conventional arms control, though these efforts have often been complicated by broader political and security challenges.
The successful continuation of this process is viewed by analysts as a key example of how bilateral agreements can contribute to regional peace and stability, even in the face of larger geopolitical disputes.
The next exchange is expected to take place on January 1, 2026, as part of the ongoing commitment under the 1988 Agreement.