After Sindoor, India Ramps Up Nuclear Security

🇮🇳 After Sindoor, India Ramps Up Nuclear Security


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India Bolsters Security at Nuclear Sites

In the wake of Operation Sindoor and ongoing Israel‑Iran tensions, New Delhi has ordered a comprehensive security overhaul at all nuclear facilities—including power plants, fuel fabrication units, research reactors, and military bases. Two senior officials report that this move is designed to mitigate any potential threats, whether from external attackers or insider sabotage (rediff.com).

A recent high‑level meeting in Delhi brought together the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), India’s external intelligence agency R&AW, and the internal Intelligence Bureau (IB) to review and strengthen existing protocols. According to one official, the aim is to “implement safety measures gradually but without delay,” emphasizing both technological upgrades and rigorous personnel vetting (rediff.com).


Why Now? The Triggering Events

  • Operation Sindoor: India’s cross‑border strikes prompted concerns that adversaries might target nuclear sites to escalate conflict.

  • Israel‑Iran Conflict: Recent attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities have underscored the vulnerability of reactors worldwide.

“Post‑Operation Sindoor, we must be extra vigilant regarding our nuclear facilities,” one official stressed, noting that any breach could have catastrophic consequences (rediff.com).


Scope of India’s Nuclear Fleet

  • 22 reactors in operation, totaling 6,780 MWe of capacity.

    • 18 PHWRs (Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors)

    • 4 LWRs (Light Water Reactors)
      These installations support electricity generation, medical isotope production, agricultural research, and water‑resource management—all critical for socioeconomic development and climate goals (rediff.com).


Potential Threat Scenarios

Security agencies are preparing for a range of attack vectors:

  1. Ground Assaults: Commando‑style raids aimed at disabling safety systems.

  2. Air Strikes: Aircraft targeting reactor complexes.

  3. Cyberattacks: Remote intrusion to corrupt control software.

The 9/11 Commission’s warning about nuclear power plants being “high‑value targets” has driven many of the new countermeasures (rediff.com).


Measures Being Implemented

  • Enhanced Perimeter Security: Reinforced fencing, motion sensors, and drone patrols.

  • Insider Threat Mitigation: Stricter background checks, continuous staff monitoring, and periodic polygraphs.

  • Cyber Defence: Dedicated Security Operations Centres (SOCs) to detect and neutralize cyber intrusions in real time.

  • Joint Drills: Regular exercises involving the DAE, R&AW, IB, and paramilitary units to simulate and respond to attack scenarios.


⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. It synthesizes publicly available reports and official statements. For official updates, please refer to the Department of Atomic Energy or relevant government agencies.


📌 Original Source

Puja Das, “After Sindoor India Ramps Up Nuclear Security,” Rediff.com, July 03, 2025.
https://www.rediff.com/news/report/after-sindoor-india-ramps-up-nuclear-security/20250703.htm


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