Nuclear disarmament, arms expenditures, and health needs in South Asia

摘要

South Asia is among the poorest regions of the world. But countries of the region -especially India and Pakistan - have a high level of military expenditure. Both the countries are nuclear armed which adds to their defense budget. Perpetual tension between the two is adding to the arms race. As a result the countries of the region are left with little to spend on health, education and development. There is a need to reverse this situation through mutual dialogue and confidence building among the nations. Civil society can play a big role in highlighting the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons and build public opinion in India and Pakistan in support of joining the Treaty on the Prohibition Nuclear Weapons and for the diversion of funds from the arms race to development.