Context:
Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) marks 55 years of operation
Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT):
- Entry into Force -1970.
- Membership – 191 States have joined the Treaty, including the 5 nuclear-weapon States (NWS).
- Non-Members – India, Israel, Pakistan, and South Sudan.
- Objectives –
- Prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology
- Promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy
- Further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament
Key Provisions of the Treaty:
- Nuclear Weapon States agree not to transfer nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices to any recipient.
- Non-Nuclear Weapons States (NNWS) agree not to receive, manufacture, or acquire nuclear weapons.
- Tasks the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) with the inspection of NNWS’ nuclear facilities.
- Acknowledges the “inalienable right” of states-parties to research, develop, and use nuclear energy for non-weapons purposes.
- Commits states-parties to pursue negotiations on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race and to nuclear disarmament.
- 3 Pillars of NPT
- Non-Proliferation – Prevents the transfer of nuclear weapons and technology.
- Disarmament – All parties undertake to pursue good-faith negotiations on effective measures relating to nuclear disarmament.
- Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy – Promotes the transfer of nuclear technology and materials for peaceful purposes under IAEA safeguards.
Issues and Criticisms:
- Discriminatory Nature: NNWS criticize the treaty for being discriminatory as it allows NWS to maintain their arsenals while preventing NNWS from acquiring nuclear weapons.
- Failure of Disarmament: The treaty lacks a tangible disarmament roadmap and provisions for reductions and elimination of nuclear weapons.
- Prevents only Horizontal Proliferation, while allows for Vertical Proliferation of the arsenal of NWSs
- Vertical Proliferation – Advancement or modernization of a nation’s nuclear arsenal.
- Horizontal Proliferation – Transfer of nuclear technology from one nation to another.
- Restrictions on Peaceful Nuclear Explosions technology are viewed as one-sided by NNWS.
- India’s Stand on NPT – India has not signed the NPT, considering it discriminatory.
Source: UNODA
Previous Year Question
In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA safeguards” while others are not?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) Some use uranium and others use thorium
(b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
(c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises
(d) Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned
Answer: (b)
