The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which came into force in 1970, is the only legally binding multilateral treaty that obligates nuclear-weapon states to move towards complete disarmament. It aims at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
Significance of NPT in Achieving Global Disarmament:
1. Prevention of Nuclear Proliferation: With 191 member states, NPT has significantly limited the number of nuclear-armed states to nine, compared to predictions in the 1960s that over 25 states could become nuclear powers.
2. Verification and Compliance Mechanism: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) ensures compliance through inspections and safeguards, thereby enhancing transparency and trust among member states.
3. Framework for Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology: NPT allows equitable access to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, encouraging energy cooperation while discouraging weaponization.
4. Periodic Review Mechanism: Treaty operations are reviewed every five years, reflecting a commitment to continual engagement and adaptation.
Limitations of NPT:
- Discrimination between NWS and NNWS: Only five nations (US, UK, France, Russia, China) are allowed nuclear weapons based on a historical cutoff date (1 Jan 1967), creating a nuclear apartheid.
- Ineffective Disarmament: As per SIPRI (2024), most NWS are modernizing and expanding their arsenals, contradicting the spirit of disarmament.
- Non-compliance and Withdrawal: Countries like North Korea have exited the treaty and developed nuclear weapons, exposing enforcement weaknesses.
India’s Refusal to Sign the NPT:
1. Inherent Discrimination: India critiques NPT for institutionalizing a hierarchical regime of nuclear ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’, denying equal rights and obligations.
2. National Security Concerns: India’s strategic environment, particularly the nuclear threat from China, compelled it to develop nuclear capability independently, as reflected in its 1974 Peaceful Nuclear Explosion (PNE).
3. Sovereignty and Strategic Autonomy: India views the treaty as compromising its strategic autonomy, especially when it comes to energy independence and national security.
4. Call for Universal Disarmament: India advocates for a universal, non-discriminatory disarmament framework where all nations denuclearize, not just the NNWS.
Way Forward:
1. Reform the NPT Framework: Introduce equitable disarmament commitments for all nuclear-armed states, including the original NWS and have a time-bound roadmap for universal disarmament.
2. Strengthen Verification Mechanisms: Equip the IAEA with enhanced technological and legal tools to detect covert nuclear programs and ensure better compliance.
3. Promote Nuclear-Weapons-Free Zones: Encourage the establishment of Nuclear-Weapons-Free Zones (NWFZs), particularly in conflict-prone regions involving NWS, as a confidence-building measure.
4. Global Dialogue on Disarmament: Reinitiate stalled multilateral arms control negotiations involving both NWS and non-signatory states like India, Pakistan, and Israel under a UN-led framework.
5. India’s leadership:
- While not a signatory, India can play a leadership role by:
- Advocating for a universal and non-discriminatory disarmament treaty.
- Maintaining its credible minimum deterrence and no first use policy.
6. Address Emerging Threats: There is a need to incorporate new-age risks such as cyber threats to nuclear infrastructure, use of AI in command systems etc in the new framework.
Conclusion:
A reformed, inclusive, and enforceable NPT aligned with current geopolitical realities and emerging technologies is vital for advancing the cause of global nuclear disarmament. India’s principled stand offers a valuable perspective for reshaping the future of nuclear governance.
‘+1’ value addition:
- Iran is recently planning to withdraw from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
- Russia also withdrew its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).
- Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT): Aims toban Nuclear Weapon Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space and Under Water for both civilian and military purposes. India has not signed the CTBT as it allows nuclear-armed states to retain their arsenals while restricting others.
- Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW): First legally binding international agreement to comprehensively prohibit nuclear weapons, with the goal of total elimination. It prohibits development, testing, production, acquisition, possession, stockpiling, use, or threat of use of nuclear weapons. India has not signed the TPNW.
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040
