India’s Expanding Nuclear Program a Major Threat to South Asian Peace, Warns Dr. Mansoor Ahmed

India’s expanding nuclear program is raising major concerns for regional peace and stability, according to Dr. Mansoor Ahmed, a senior expert at the Strategic and Defense Studies Center at the Australian National University.

In a recent statement, Dr. Ahmed warned that India’s so-called civilian nuclear program is being used to grow its nuclear weapons capabilities without proper international checks.

He revealed that India currently holds around 11 tons of civilian plutonium and has already produced about 6 tons of highly enriched uranium. These materials, although marked for peaceful use, can easily be diverted for nuclear weapons, Dr. Ahmed explained. He also noted that India’s uranium enrichment capacity is set to increase sharply. It currently stands at 26 kilograms per year but could reach 1,000 kilograms annually with the addition of five to six new fast breeder reactors.

Dr. Ahmed said this would make India’s program the world’s largest nuclear enrichment and weapons upgrade effort. He stressed that this growing nuclear stockpile is a serious threat to both China and Pakistan and could destabilize the entire South Asian region.

Despite these concerns, Dr. Ahmed criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and global powers for turning a blind eye to India’s actions. He pointed out that while Pakistan has faced international pressure and criticism for its missile program, India’s rapid nuclear development continues unchecked.

He warned that ignoring India’s nuclear ambitions could lead to dangerous consequences for regional peace. He called on international agencies and world leaders to take urgent notice before the situation becomes a global security issue.