Nuclear Signalling

In response to escalating tensions following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, high-ranking officials from both India and Pakistan made statements between May 6-8 that have raised alarms about the potential for nuclear escalation. India’s remarks suggesting that “no option is off the table” represent a deviation from its traditional ‘No First Use’ policy, while Pakistan’s reaffirmation of its credible minimum deterrence stance underscores the urgency of the situation.

Such rhetoric presents grave concerns under international law, particularly within the framework of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which requires the proportionality and distinction of military actions to prevent civilian harm. The nuclear signaling in this context contravenes the principles of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which aims to mitigate the risks of nuclear conflict and promote disarmament.

The WED calls upon both parties to reaffirm their commitment to multilateral dialogue and to uphold their legal obligations to prevent further escalation, reduce tensions, and protect civilian populations in accordance with international law.