Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) marks 55 years of Operation | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) marks 55 years of Operation

Posted 08 Mar 2025

2 min read

NPT represents the only binding commitment in a multilateral treaty with the goal of disarmament by the Nuclear-Weapon States (NWS) and promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

About NPT

  • Background: Enforced in 1970. 
  • Membership: 191 States. 
    • India has not signed owing to discrimination of states into “nuclear haves” and “nuclear have-nots.”

Major Provisions of the Treaty

  • Key Principles: Non-Proliferation (Parties to the Treaty should refrain from acquiring or transferring nuclear-weapons); Disarmament;Access to Peaceful Nuclear Technology
  • Role of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): Compliance with the Treaty is verified through inspections conducted by IAEA. 
    • IAEA was created in 1957 under the United Nations to promote safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
  • Review of the operation of the Treaty: Every five years. 

Significance of NPT in the present times

  • Rising Nuclear Threats: In the form of small arms, evolving technologies like artificial intelligence, etc.
  • Strengthening of Nuclear arsenals: As per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), most nations have expanded their nuclear arsenals. 
  • Weakening Nuclear Diplomacy: E.g., Russia withdrew its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). 

Other Major Treaties on Nuclear Disarmaments

  • Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapon Tests In The Atmosphere, In Outer Space And Under Water or the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT): Not signed by India.
  • Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW): Not signed by India. 
  • Tags :
  • Non-Proliferation Treaty
  • International Atomic Energy Agency
  • Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
  • Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
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