kirana hills nuclear news: Can nuclear watchdog IAEA take control of Pakistan’s nukes as Rajnath Singh calls for global monitoring of ‘rogue nation’?

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday questioned the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons and said they should come under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). His statement has led to speculation about whether India is preparing a global diplomatic push against Pakistan’s nuclear programme.

“Are nuclear weapons safe in the hands of a rogue nation?”

“…I would like to ask the entire world if nuclear weapons are safe in the hands of such an irresponsible and rogue nation (Pakistan). I believe that Pakistan’s nuclear weapons should be taken under the supervision of IAEA,” said Singh while addressing troops at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Jammu and Kashmir.

India highlights concern without signalling formal initiative

While there has been no official statement on whether India plans to approach global bodies such as the IAEA or the United Nations, Singh’s public comments have drawn attention to the issue. The remarks come amid recent heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.

Can nuclear watchdog IAEA take over Pakistan nukes?

While the Defence Minister’s statement has sparked debate about international supervision, as per current framework, the IAEA’s role in overseeing Pakistan’s nuclear weapons is limited. Pakistan is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and has not accepted full-scope safeguards that allow the IAEA to inspect its military nuclear facilities.

The IAEA’s mandate largely covers countries that have joined the NPT and agreed to place their civilian nuclear programmes under international monitoring. Pakistan, having developed nuclear weapons outside the treaty framework, is not legally bound to allow inspections of its nuclear weapons or military reactors.

Without Pakistan’s consent or a binding international resolution, the IAEA cannot impose inspections or controls on its nuclear arsenal. Any move to place Pakistan’s weapons under IAEA supervision would require either Pakistan’s agreement or action by the United Nations Security Council.

UN sanctions require Security Council backing

For the United Nations to impose sanctions on any country over its nuclear programme, the issue must be raised at the UN Security Council (UNSC). The Council can take up matters that are considered a threat to international peace and security, and it has the authority to pass binding resolutions, including sanctions.

However, applying this process to Pakistan presents significant challenges. Unlike Iran, which faced sanctions over its nuclear programme as a member of the NPT found in violation of its commitments, Pakistan is not part of the NPT. This makes it harder to accuse Pakistan of breaching any global nuclear treaty obligations.

In addition, any move to impose sanctions would need support from at least nine of the 15 UNSC members, and no vetoes from the five permanent members: China, Russia, the US, the UK, and France. Pakistan maintains strong strategic and diplomatic ties with China, a permanent member of the Security Council, which is likely to block any resolution targeting Islamabad’s nuclear weapons.

India asserts right to respond to attacks on sovereignty

During the same address, Singh reaffirmed India’s position on defending its sovereignty. “When our sovereignty is attacked, we will respond,” he said. He described Operation Sindoor as the largest action India has taken against terrorism so far.

Singh also praised the response of people in Jammu and Kashmir following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
“I also salute the people of Jammu and Kashmir. I am here to feel that energy which destroyed the enemies.

The manner in which you destroyed Pakistani chowkis and bunkers across the border, I think the enemy will never be able to forget it,” he told the soldiers.

The Defence Minister began a high-level review of the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border. This marks his first visit to the region after Operation Sindoor.

Top military officials briefed him on current developments and the operational preparedness of frontline forces. Singh also visited the XV Corps headquarters in Srinagar for a detailed assessment.

India-Pakistan Tensions flared before ceasefire talks

On May 7, India carried out precision strikes on terror camps across the border. In retaliation, Pakistan attempted strikes on Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. India responded by targeting eight Pakistani air bases with missiles and long-range weapons on May 10.

Hostilities ended after military commanders from both sides spoke on May 10 and agreed to halt further action.