India and Pakistan Agree to Extend Suspension of Nuclear Tests - 2004-06-20

Indian and Pakistani officials began their first round of negotiations in New Delhi regarding the reduction of the risk of accidental and unintended use of nuclear weapons. After the conclusion of the first meeting, Indian officials described the talks as sincere and constructive. The focus of the negotiations, which ended on Sunday, was on addressing and managing the nuclear crisis. A statement issued at the end of the talks between the two long-standing political rivals indicated that India and Pakistan would extend their suspension of nuclear tests, reserving the right to resume testing only in the event of extraordinary circumstances and if national interests of either country necessitate it. Furthermore, these discussions could help lead to a favorable outcome in the negotiations on Sunday between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan regarding the Kashmir crisis. India and Pakistan have fought three wars to date. In 2002, a fourth war was forming between the two countries, raising concerns in the international community about the potential for nuclear conflicts between them.