Sample · Denuclearisation and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
The treaties behind nuclear disarmament — NPT, CTBT and TPNW — and why India has stayed outside them.
Key Highlights
- Denuclearisation means eliminating nuclear weapons from a country, a region or the world.
- The NPT is the main global treaty against the spread of nuclear weapons.
- India has not signed the NPT, calling it discriminatory, but follows a no-first-use policy.
Detailed Insights
The NPT
The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons was opened for signature in 1968 and came into force in 1970. It recognises five nuclear-weapon states and commits others not to acquire such weapons, in return for access to peaceful nuclear technology. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) checks compliance through safeguards.
Other treaties
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (1996) bans all nuclear explosions but has not yet come into force. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons came into force in 2021; no nuclear-armed state has joined it.
India's position
India argues that the NPT divides the world into nuclear “haves” and “have-nots”. It backs universal, non-discriminatory disarmament, keeps a credible minimum deterrent and has a voluntary moratorium on nuclear testing.
Key Concepts Involved
- Denuclearisation: The process of eliminating nuclear weapons from a country, region or the world.
- No first use: A pledge to use nuclear weapons only in retaliation for a nuclear attack.
- IAEA safeguards: Inspections that check nuclear material is used only for peaceful purposes.
Was this article helpful?