REPEAT incidents of security failures and the shoddy regulation of India’s nuclear sector have earned our eastern neighbour’s ‘Radioactive Bazaar’ a worldwide reputation. With the theft, smuggling and illegal trade of radioactive materials continuing unabated next door, there are major security implications not just for Pakistan but the wider world as well. A few days ago, an Indian gang was apprehended with $100m worth of californium, a highly toxic and radioactive substance, in its possession. According to a report in an Indian publication, “Californium is a restricted radioactive substance used in nuclear power plants, portable metal detectors and the treatment of cancer. Its sale and purchase are prohibited in India.” The publication said police are investigating the source of this highly dangerous material and its intended use while also probing its smuggling, handling and links to other persons who may be involved in this trade. But this was the second instance of gangs being found to be involved in the trade of radioactive materials within a month. In July, another gang had been caught with a ‘radioactive device’ and ‘radioactive material’ in Dehradun. The question arises: just how big is India’s black market for radioactive materials?

Going by Indian media reports alone, there have been more than 16 instances of individuals being apprehended for moving or trading radioactive materials. Uranium seems to have been the most frequently apprehended nuclear material, with reports suggesting that it is often stolen from government-run mines or enrichment facilities. These are just the reported incidents: one wonders how many such trades may be happening that have escaped the authorities’ knowledge and who the buyers of these dangerous materials might be. One estimate carried by the international news magazine The Diplomat suggests that more than 200kg of nuclear and radioactive material have gone missing from Indian facilities over the last two decades. These are deeply alarming numbers. India clearly needs to learn a thing or two from Pakistan, which seems to have enforced a much stronger nuclear security culture by comparison. India’s lack of proper regulation of nuclear materials could mean terrorist groups may gain access to radioactive substances with which they could make dirty bombs. The international community must pressure India to abide by regulatory benchmarks and ensure stricter controls. Its lackadaisical attitude could cause a worldwide incident if not checked immediately.

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2024