The geographical location of India is a major factor to consider in the possible attacks of its neighboring countries such as Iran and Pakistan if ever risks of security may be apparent.

Both countries are on the hot seat as their governments are encountering global isolation due to leadership issues.

More than this, Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee warned of possible terrorists that may join forces with Iran and Pakistan and India may suffer from the real threat of terrorism. He also cautioned about these states acquiring arsenal and preparing for possible war in the future.

Such issues were discussed in the recent seminar on Asian security, where Mukherjee hailed India for keeping its composure on nuclear issues.

But the foreign minister said the problem that India has to face is the advent of nuclear proliferation. This is not only about Iran and India; but also including other organized terror groups, who are in the process of acquiring nuclear weapons for future use.

Mukherjee said the procurement of nuclear facilities among India’s neighboring countries is alarming as Iran and Pakistan experience the inability to safeguard their nuclear materials. As this happens, nuclear production threats are being exposed. At the same time, these states failed to follow standard measures on nuclear programs. So, it is possible that they are making nuclear weapons clandestinely.

Iran’s explicit use of uranium technology, equipment and design has shown suspicions that the country is planning something beyond the guidelines. The minister said there is also a growing threat that radical terror groups will soon partner with Iran to acquire nuclear materials and technology.

As of press time, India’s harmonization with the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 on nuclear use remains intact and its government still pushes to maintain international security.

Asia indeed has the highest number of terrorists in the world. India has been included in the watchlist with terror groups trying to infiltrate the country since the 1980s. But its government is determined to exercise an iron-hand to crackdown all groups creating havoc to the country.

DAWN