PRESS RELEASE

Could the India and Pakistan stand-off go nuclear?

For immediate release: 25 January 2002

Following the Indian test of a 700 km range version of an 'Agni' ('fire' in Hindi), CND today urged New Delhi and Islamabad to lower the political rhetoric and show military restraint. The longer range Agni missile is capable of delivering a nuclear warhead 2,500 kilometres.

Although recent news indicates that the prospect of war between India and Pakistan has receded, the 50 year old tension was given added significance and symbolism during and immediately after their reciprocal nuclear tests in 1998.

These two disputatious and populous nations who have gone to war on three previous occasions now possess the ultimate threat of annihilation which has made their leaderships all the bolder and more willing to rattle the sabre and claim they had joined the 'nuclear club'.

Although both now claimed possession of devises to destroy troop concentrations, strategic targets and major cities, the means to deliver them accurately and predictably was questioned by analysts who also doubted whether either had a nuclear command and control structure. Neither is now in doubt, although the deployment readiness and actual numbers of warheads in each arsenal is a matter of speculation.

The US-led 'War on Terrorism' post 11^th September presented opportunities as well as problems for both nations. Economic and military sanctions were progressively lifted as they were welcomed back into the fold of the international community without having to renounce the doctrine and capability that had put them on the outside in 1998.

"Despite claims to the contrary, neither country's strategic stability has been enhanced since they acquired the ability to wage war with weapons of mass destruction. Indeed, their possession seems to have encouraged nuclear brinkmanship and significantly increased the possibility of a rapid escalation to nuclear exchange," said CND Chair Carol Naughton.

Ends

For further information or interviews: call the CND Office on 020 7700 2393

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