INDIA'S NUCLEAR BLACK MARKET: A LOOMING GLOBAL SECURITY THREAT

Abstract

The illicit trade and theft of nuclear and radioactive materials, commonly referred to as the nuclear black market, represents a profound challenge to global and regional security. India's nuclear program continues to face significant challenges due to persistent incidents of nuclear material theft and illicit trade. This research paper aims to report major incidents of theft and illicit trade of nuclear and radioactive materials in India from 1994 to 2024. It identifies key nuclear black-market actors and networks in India. Such as insider involvement, institutional breaches, political actors, smugglers, civilian and informal actors and networks. It evaluates the systemic vulnerabilities in India’s nuclear security framework, which comprises inadequate physical protection and facility access, manual inventory and tracking systems, regulatory and oversight gaps, personnel vetting and insider monitoring gaps, transportation and border control vulnerability, lack of transparency and poor global nuclear security ranking. It also analyzes the geopolitical and technological factors driven by strategic interests, which have been prioritized over robust security oversight to counterbalance China. This encompasses India’s non-signatory status to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and NSGs waiver, contributing to the black market’s persistence. This not only compromises the credibility of India as a responsible nuclear state but also poses a direct threat to global security. The paper is concluded by highlighting the regional dynamics and global security implications, including the risks associated with nuclear proliferation. The source of the data is based on secondary data, including media coverage, reports of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and research articles. The significance of this study lies in its comprehensive approach to a critical yet less-studied area of concern. By analyzing the patterns and consequences of nuclear material trafficking, this paper urges the urgent need for enhanced nuclear material security measures in India and beyond.