CND is extremely concerned by the escalating military exchanges over Kashmir between India and Pakistan, two nuclear-armed states, and calls on both to peacefully solve the ongoing crisis.
It is estimated that India and Pakistan have approximately 172 and 170 nuclear warheads respectively. India is developing a nuclear triad of land, air and submarine-launched nuclear weapons systems. It is also developing longer-range systems capable of reaching targets in China. Pakistan, meanwhile, has land and air-launched systems and is also developing a submarine-launched capability. Among its arsenal is the Nasr, a so-called ‘tactical’ nuclear weapon. Neither country has signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
A nuclear attack by either country would have devastating humanitarian consequences, especially in such a densely populated region. A nuclear war could lead to mass displacement, deaths from radiation, and overwhelm healthcare infrastructure. The impact on agriculture and ocean ecosystems could lead to famine and food shortages for years to come.
CND General Secretary Sophie Bolt said:
“This breakdown in diplomatic relations is extremely concerning and we urge both India and Pakistan to recommence dialogue to solve this crisis peacefully. This is another shocking reminder that nuclear weapons do not keep the peace. Instead, they add a potentially catastrophic dimension to this escalating conventional conflict, risking not only these countries’ populations, but the entire planet. It underlines the urgent need for global nuclear disarmament. All nuclear weapons states need to sign up to the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.”
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