Question

In which specific year did India and Pakistan sign a historic bilateral agreement explicitly committing both nations not to target or attack each other's nuclear installations and facilities?

• A. \( 1972 \)
• B. \( 1988 \)
• C. \( 1998 \)
• D. \( 1999 \)

Hint:

While open nuclear testing took place in 1998, the agreement protecting nuclear facilities was actually signed a decade earlier, in 1988, during a period of active bilateral diplomacy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Despite a history of conflict, India and Pakistan have signed several "Confidence Building Measures" (CBMs) to prevent nuclear escalation.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. The Agreement: The Non-Nuclear Aggression Agreement was signed on December 31, 1988.
2. The Leaders: It was signed by Rajiv Gandhi (India) and Benazir Bhutto (Pakistan).
3. Significance: It requires both countries to exchange a list of their nuclear installations on January 1st every year, a tradition that continues to this day.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The agreement was signed in 1988. Thus, (B) is correct.