Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

Definition

A multilateral treaty intended to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to advance nuclear disarmament.

Key points

• It was opened for signature in 1968 and entered into force in 1970; it rests on three pillars, namely non-proliferation, disarmament, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
• It recognises only five "nuclear-weapon States" (the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and China), those that tested before 1 January 1967; all others join as non-nuclear-weapon States.
• India, Pakistan, and Israel have not signed it; India regards it as discriminatory because it creates a permanent division between nuclear "haves" and "have-nots".
• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) administers safeguards under the treaty to verify that nuclear material is not diverted to weapons.
• The 2008 India-US civil nuclear deal and the NSG waiver allowed India access to civil nuclear commerce despite not being an NPT signatory.

Why it matters for CAPF

The NPT, its five recognised nuclear-weapon States, India's non-signatory stance, and the link to the 2008 nuclear deal are core international-relations facts.

Common confusion

The NPT (1968) restricts the spread of nuclear weapons; the CTBT (1996) bans test explosions. India has signed neither. The NPT's five nuclear-weapon States are fixed by the 1967 cut-off, not by who currently has weapons.

Related concepts

concept comprehensive test ban treaty, concept nuclear suppliers group, concept missile technology control regime, concept australia group

Parent note

indias space and missile programme