It is possible that both countries would be willing to adhere to such controls given their stated commitments against engaging in a nuclear weapons race. But it is not clear what either India or Pakistan will accept as a minimum level of deterrence in terms of the number of nuclear weapons. The number of weapons that each country has can be limited by controlling the amount of fissile material available to both countries. Yet, while India has indicated that it is willing to undertake some kind of fissile material cutoff, Pakistan thus far has not, thereby complicating the issue. Why Weaponization Should Be Avoided An important measure that India and Pakistan must take is a decision not to conduct additional nuclear tests.
Testing creates a psychological climate of immense fear.
The recent tests have destroyed years of patient work by citizens of both countries attempting to build a climate of harmony. A no-testing pledge can take a number of forms including the CTBT or a bilateral agreement between the two countries. India and Pakistan must agree not to be the first to use nuclear weapons. According to some reports, Pakistan has given to India a list of eighteen cities that might possibly be targeted by nuclear weapons. A number of additional confidence-building measures could be taken between the two countries to stabilize the situation.