The exchange of nuclear lists is done under an agreement prohibiting attacks on:

1. Trade facilities
2. Border posts
3. Nuclear installations
4. Civil airports

The bilateral exchange is mandated by the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities, signed on 31 December 1988. Both nations annually inform each other of the precise coordinates of their civilian and military nuclear sites, legally committing not to target these facilities in the event of conflict—a vital confidence-building measure in South Asia.