India Pakistan News LIVE Updates: ‘Pak’s nuclear weapons should be under global supervision,’ says Rajnath

Singh in Srinagar

SRINAGAR, May 15, 2025 – In a significant statement that could potentially redefine South Asia’s security discourse, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday called for the international community to place Pakistan's nuclear arsenal under global supervision. Addressing a packed audience at a strategic defence summit held in Srinagar, Singh expressed serious concerns over the potential misuse of nuclear weapons in a region grappling with instability, terrorism, and cross-border tensions.

A Bold Statement from the Heart of Kashmir

Speaking in the heart of Jammu and Kashmir—India’s most sensitive border region with Pakistan—Singh made it clear that India could no longer overlook the volatility associated with Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities.

"A nation that continues to nurture terrorism and refuses to act against extremist groups operating from its soil cannot be trusted with nuclear weapons," Singh said, drawing strong applause from both defence personnel and civilian attendees.

"Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal should not be allowed to become a threat to global peace. There is a strong case for placing it under international supervision."

This marks the first time an Indian Defence Minister has openly advocated for global oversight of Pakistan’s nuclear infrastructure—an issue that has long remained a diplomatic tightrope for New Delhi.

Strategic Calculations: Why Now?

Defence experts and geopolitical analysts believe Singh’s remarks are not offhand but rather a calculated move amid escalating regional developments. Over the past few weeks, multiple ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC), coupled with credible intelligence inputs about increased militant activity in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), have stirred anxiety within India’s defence establishment.

There’s also growing concern over Pakistan’s internal instability. With its economy in shambles, political turmoil growing, and military leadership under question, fears of strategic assets falling into the wrong hands have become more pronounced.

According to sources within the Ministry of Defence, Singh’s comments are part of a larger policy shift aimed at recalibrating India’s approach to Pakistan—not merely as a hostile neighbor, but as a proliferator of nuclear risk.

Reaction from Islamabad

Unsurprisingly, the statement has evoked sharp criticism from Pakistan. Within hours, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strongly worded rebuttal, stating:

"India's Defence Minister's comments are irresponsible and provocative. Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state with a credible minimum deterrence doctrine."

The statement further warned that any attempts to internationalize Pakistan’s nuclear assets would be seen as an infringement of its sovereignty and met with “appropriate diplomatic and strategic responses.”

International Community on Edge

Though most global powers have refrained from commenting immediately, diplomatic observers suggest that Singh’s remarks may nudge the West—particularly the United States, the United Kingdom, and France—into reevaluating their silence on Pakistan’s nuclear governance.

"India has finally said aloud what many in Washington and Brussels have long whispered in private," said Walter Goodwin, a South Asia security analyst with the London-based think tank StratGlobal. "Pakistan’s internal chaos does increase the risk factor for its nuclear stockpile. A public call from India makes it hard for the global community to keep ignoring it."

Domestic Political Impact

Domestically, Singh's strong statement is likely to resonate with a nationalist electorate ahead of key state elections in Jammu and Kashmir later this year. By taking a firm position on Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strengthens its national security narrative.

Political analysts argue that Singh’s address was as much for domestic audiences as it was for the international stage. “The optics of delivering this message from Srinagar were powerful,” said political commentator Reena Agarwal. “It reinforces the BJP’s position that Kashmir is an integral part of India and that the government is actively safeguarding national interests from Srinagar itself.”

Military Readiness and Kashmir Strategy

In his speech, Singh also highlighted recent security achievements in the valley, including the elimination of top terror operatives and the reinforcement of counter-infiltration grids along the LoC. He praised the Indian Army and local police forces for their "unwavering courage and coordination" in maintaining peace across sensitive districts.

Notably, Singh hinted at increased deployment of advanced surveillance systems and artificial intelligence-driven threat monitoring across the northern borders. The push towards tech-enabled security is seen as an effort to outpace the evolving tactics of cross-border insurgents.

India’s Growing Role in Nuclear Diplomacy

Singh’s remarks are also indicative of India’s broader aspiration to emerge as a responsible nuclear power with moral authority in the global arena. India has consistently upheld a 'No First Use' nuclear policy and has sought to align itself with non-proliferation norms.

By demanding oversight over Pakistan’s arsenal, India is effectively positioning itself as a stakeholder in global nuclear security, rather than a mere regional actor.

"India’s non-aggressive nuclear posture, combined with its robust democratic institutions, gives it the moral high ground to question the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear setup," said retired Lt. General Harbir Sandhu.

The Road Ahead: Will the Global Powers Intervene?

Whether Singh’s call leads to actual steps by international agencies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) remains to be seen. While it’s unlikely that Pakistan would willingly subject its arsenal to external oversight, Singh’s assertion may pave the way for intensified diplomatic pressure and future arms control discussions in multilateral forums.

There’s also speculation that India may raise the issue formally at the upcoming UN General Assembly session or through backchannel diplomacy with key allies.

Opposition's Response and Political Crossfire

Predictably, opposition parties have offered a mixed response. While the Congress party welcomed Singh’s “bold articulation of national security concerns,” it also questioned the timing of the statement.

“Why did it take five years for the government to realize the threat posed by Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal? And what measures has it taken at the multilateral level so far?” asked senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) criticized the statement as “saber-rattling” and warned against “militarizing foreign policy rhetoric.”

What It Means for India-Pakistan Relations

The statement is likely to deepen mistrust between the two neighbors and derail whatever little diplomatic engagement remains. With backchannel talks already frozen and people-to-people ties at a historic low, Singh’s remarks add another layer of friction.

Despite that, Indian security officials maintain that raising the alarm on nuclear oversight was “long overdue” and essential for peace in South Asia.

LIVE Coverage: What’s Next?

As the statement continues to dominate headlines, here’s what to watch in the coming days:

• UN Response: Will the United Nations or IAEA issue a statement or call for a review of nuclear safety in Pakistan?

• Diplomatic Fallout: Will India face backlash or support from key global powers?

• Pakistan's Next Move: Could this escalate into another round of LoC skirmishes or diplomatic expulsions?

• Domestic Political Gains: How will Singh’s remarks shape the BJP's campaign in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections?

Stay tuned for real-time developments on this evolving story. We will continue to bring you verified updates and ground reports from Srinagar and New Delhi.