Playing with fire

In recent years, the global spotlight has increasingly turned towards the management of nuclear materials and safety protocols. While the broader international context reveals a myriad of challenges, specific incidents highlight a troubling pattern of oversight that raises alarms about regional and global security.

One particularly alarming incident occurred in November 2009 at the Kaiga nuclear power plant in India. Here, about 55 workers got exposed to radiation after ingesting tritiated water, a radioactive hydrogen isotope. The contamination was as a result of an act of sabotage and the investigation showed that there was serious negligence in safety measures at a place that deals with hazardous substances. Not only do they result in potentially lethal consequences for the population but also indicate the general state of nuclear safety regulation in states possessing large nuclear stockpiles.

Fast forward to more recent times, the BrahMos missile incident on March 9, 2022 further complicates the narrative around nuclear safety and management. An accidental firing of a nuclear capable missile from Sirsa, Haryana, fell on Mian Channu in Punjab, Pakistan. While Indian authorities dismissed the event as a technical glitch, it raises some serious questions about command and control issues related to nuclear weapons especially when as per Joint Doctrine for the Indian Armed Forces, 2017, authorisation for launch of nuclear weapons can only be done by the PM who heads India's Nuclear Command Authority. The fact that the misfire could lead to a bigger conflict points to the fact that there are thin lines that have to be tread.

Also, in the past few years, India has witnessed several fearful cases of nuclear material trafficking. They include 2.5 kg in 1994, 111 kg in 1998, 59.1 kg in 2000 and many others in the following and recent years. Altogether, incidents have reported seizures of over 200 kg of uranium from different criminal groups. These figures present a rather grim picture of the possible existence of black market for radioactive materials; similar to other areas, like Eastern Europe during the Cold War period.

Pakistan has raised its concerns over the safety measures adopted by India in its nuclear facilities, particularly in view of these recurring mishaps. The Foreign Office has recently stated that it is 'gravely concerned' over a recent report on the theft of 50 grams of radioactive californium which is worth over 100 million dollars.

These incidents not only underscore the need for improved management of nuclear materials but also reflect broader geopolitical dynamics. The Russia-Ukraine conflict is an example of what may happen when nuclear management is not well done. That contingency involves the threat of nuclear escalation in that conflict, demonstrating the importance of strongly conceived frameworks for managing nuclear materials even when the issues relating to deterrence and strategic stability are subtle and complex.

The historical context of mismanagement and oversight in nuclear governance serves as a reminder of the potential catastrophic consequences of complacency.

In view of the above, greater efforts toward improving communication and cooperation, particularly among nuclear neighbours, is critical in efforts to foster trust. The international community has to fight for the best frameworks that will ensure that accountability and transparency in nuclear management are enhanced. In a landscape where missteps can lead to disastrous outcomes, the importance of adhering to stringent safety protocols cannot be overstated.

While the discourse surrounding nuclear capabilities is often dominated by geopolitical rhetoric, it is imperative to approach the issue with a focus on responsible management. By far, today the world has reached the critical position in nuclear goals and nuclear meltdown and so the stakes are higher. Nations must internalise the lessons from past incidents, both domestically and globally, to ensure that the drive for power does not overshadow the critical need for safety and security.