Question

What is Nuclear Proliferation treaty?

Hint:

Remember the three pillars of the NPT: Non-proliferation, Disarmament, and Peaceful Use. Also, remember that India, Pakistan, Israel, and South Sudan have not signed the treaty, and North Korea withdrew from it.

Answer 1

Step 1: Key Concept:
The Nuclear Proliferation Treaty, more formally known as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), is a landmark international treaty whose objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The NPT, which came into force in 1970, is based on a bargain between the nuclear-weapon states and non-nuclear-weapon states. It has three main pillars:
1. Non-proliferation: The non-nuclear-weapon states agree never to acquire nuclear weapons. The nuclear-weapon states (defined as those that had tested a nuclear device before 1 January 1967: USA, Russia, UK, France, and China) agree not to transfer nuclear weapons or technology to other states.
2. Disarmament: The nuclear-weapon states commit to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to the cessation of the nuclear arms race and to nuclear disarmament.
3. Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy: All signatory states have the right to develop, research, and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
India's Stance: India is one of the few countries that has not signed the NPT, viewing it as a discriminatory treaty that creates a club of nuclear 'haves' and a larger group of nuclear 'have-nots'.