Last week there was a dangerous accident. An unarmed Indian missile was accidentally fired at Pakistan. Expressing deep regret, Government of India attributed it to a technical fault during routine maintenance and expressed relief that no loss of life was reported. It flew at nearly three times the speed of sound at about 12 km above sea level and crossed 124 km of Pakistani territory, according to its armed forces, along a route that put civilian flights at both airfields at risk. put, as well as ground life. An Indian apology was necessary. We were lucky that our stray projectile caused only minor property damage in Pakistan.
New Delhi has ordered a high level inquiry. Loose guns like this are a serious threat, and we need foolproof launch protocols under strict orders. A missile accidentally tipped with a nuclear warhead could cause devastation. Both countries have nuclear weapons and the Second Cold War has put the world in peril. As seen in Pakistan’s response, India’s stated stance of “no first use” has proved itself valuable. We must advocate for a global treaty that holds all nuclear-holders on this planet to this principle. Climate change is not the only threat to our existence.
Don’t miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint.
download
Our App Now!!