Pakistan on Thursday called on the international community to investigate recurring incidents of nuclear material theft and security breaches at India’s nuclear facilities.

In a strongly worded statement, the Foreign Office (FO) condemned recent remarks by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, describing them as “irresponsible” and reflective of India’s insecurity and failed defence strategy.

Singh, while addressing troops in Srinagar, questioned the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal and suggested the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should take control of it. “Are nuclear weapons safe in the hands of such an irresponsible and rogue nation?” he asked, days after deadly cross-border hostilities between the two countries.

Singh’s comments followed a period of heightened military tension, including strikes and drone incursions from both sides, before a truce was reached on Saturday.

Pakistan dismissed the Indian minister’s allegations, asserting that his remarks displayed a poor grasp of the responsibilities under the IAEA framework. The FO spokesperson said Pakistan’s conventional capabilities were sufficient to deter Indian aggression.

He also voiced deep concern over repeated cases of nuclear material theft and illicit trafficking in India. “These frequent incidents raise serious questions about New Delhi’s nuclear security measures,” the spokesperson said.

Citing specific cases, he mentioned the 2024 theft of radioactive equipment from India’s Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, as well as the arrest of five individuals in possession of nuclear material. He also highlighted the 2023 recovery of Californium, a highly radioactive substance worth $100 million, and similar thefts reported in 2021, which point to the possible existence of a nuclear black market in India.

Pakistan urged the international community to take notice and called on India to urgently enhance the safety and security of its nuclear assets.