ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday voiced concern over a uranium supply agreement and nuclear technology cooperation between India and Canada, warning the arrangement could expand India’s nuclear arsenal and undermine the global non-proliferation framework.
The statement came after Ottawa and New Delhi concluded a long-term deal covering uranium supplies and potential cooperation in advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors.
The agreement was announced earlier this week as part of efforts by the two countries to deepen energy and economic ties. Canada has previously supplied uranium to India under a civilian nuclear cooperation framework first agreed in 2010 and implemented in 2013, with commercial supply contracts signed in subsequent years.
“Assured external uranium supplies effectively release India’s domestic reserves for military use, enabling the expansion of its fissile material stockpiles, accelerating the growth of its nuclear arsenal, and deepening existing asymmetries in South Asia’s strategic balance,” foreign office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said in a statement while responding to media queries.
“The arrangement also undermines Canada’s commitment to the international non-proliferation regime and its corresponding obligations under that framework,” he added.
