Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

Why in News? 

Recently, due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, the issue of Iran’s withdrawal from the NPT was raised in the Iranian Parliament. Iran views this move as a resistance against foreign pressure on its nuclear policy.

What is the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty?

• Introduction:
  • The NPT aims at preventing the spread of nuclear arms worldwide and promotes their step-by-step elimination through international cooperation.
  • The treaty was formally accepted in 1968 and was implemented starting in 1970.
  • Its aim is to ensure that only the five countries which already possess nuclear weapons can retain them, while other nations should not develop such weapons.
• Background:
  • After World War II, when the United States dropped atomic bombs on Japan in 1945, the world witnessed the destructive power of nuclear weapons for the first time.
  • After this, the Cold War period saw a fierce arms competition between the USA and USSR.
  • Considering this global threat, efforts were made under the United Nations to stop the spread of nuclear weapons.
  • In 1968, the draft of this treaty was prepared, recognizing only five nations — the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom — as legitimate nuclear powers, while other countries were barred from developing such capabilities.
• Membership:
  • So far, 191 countries have signed this treaty, making it one of the most universally accepted security agreements in the world.
  • Nations such as India, Pakistan, and Israel have so far remained outside the scope of this treaty.

Monitoring Mechanism, Objectives and Provisions of the NPT

• Monitoring Mechanism:
  • The most important feature of the NPT is its strict monitoring system, operated through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
  • IAEA is an independent body under the United Nations with the authority to conduct technical inspections and verifications of nuclear activities in member states.
  • Under this, regular inspections, data analysis, and on-site visits of nuclear facilities in member countries are conducted.
• Objectives:
  • Non-Proliferation: To stop nations without nuclear arms from acquiring or making them.
  • Disarmament: To make nuclear-armed countries gradually work towards elimination of their nuclear arsenals.
  • Peaceful Use: To ensure nuclear energy is used only for civilian purposes, such as medical, energy production, etc.
• Provisions:
  • Joining the NPT is voluntary, but once a country signs it, it is obligated to follow its rules and provisions. 
  • As per Article VI of the NPT, nuclear-armed countries are assigned the responsibility to end the arms race over time and move towards complete disarmament.
  • Under this, member nations are legally bound not to transfer nuclear weapons or related technology to any other nation.
  • According to Article X, any country has the right to withdraw from the treaty with three months’ notice if it believes it is essential for its national interests.
  • Every five years, the NPT is reviewed in a global conference to check how well it is being followed.

India’s Perspective on the NPT

• India did not sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty when it was introduced in 1968 and continues to remain outside its framework.
• The primary reason is that India considers this treaty to be biased and unequal.
• India believes that the NPT only allows a few countries to possess nuclear weapons, while imposing restrictions and surveillance on others.
• India’s stance is that all nations should be equally committed to nuclear disarmament.
• India supports global disarmament, but only under conditions that apply equally to all countries. Because of such limitations, India has refrained from signing the CTBT as well.
• In 2008, under the India–US Civil Nuclear Agreement, India signed a special safeguards agreement with the IAEA.
• India advocates for a new, inclusive, and fair treaty that addresses the security concerns of all countries equally.

India’s Nuclear Policy

• The foundation of India’s nuclear policy was laid with the Atomic Energy Act of 1948, which stated that nuclear technology would be used only for peaceful purposes.
• From the beginning, India adopted the policy of ‘No First Use’, which remains the cornerstone of the country’s nuclear strategy.
• In 1974, India conducted its first nuclear test successfully at Pokhran, codenamed ‘Smiling Buddha’.
• This test surprised the world and made India the first nuclear-capable country outside the “Nuclear Club”.
• On May 11 and 13, 1998, India conducted five more successful nuclear tests, thereby formally establishing its nuclear deterrent.
• Following these developments, India adopted the ‘Doctrine of Credible Minimum Deterrence’, which means India will maintain sufficient nuclear capability to deter any attack but will not act aggressively.
• India has signed a safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), under which its civilian nuclear facilities remain under inspection.
• India is equipped with nuclear triad capability.
  • India holds the strategic strength to deliver nuclear weapons through land-based, naval, and aerial platforms.
  • Through nuclear submarines like INS Arihant, the Agni missile series, and fighter jets like Mirage-2000 and Sukhoi-30MKI, India has developed this three-tier capability.
• India is also trying to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), although powers like China have linked the membership with NPT, which India opposes.

Current Relevance and Challenges of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

• In recent years, nuclear tests by North Korea (2006, 2009, 2013, 2016, 2017) and suspicious nuclear activities by Iran have exposed the limitations of the treaty.
• Several countries, classified under the treaty as non-nuclear weapon states, are being inspired to pursue nuclear capabilities, which challenges the objectives of the treaty.
• NPT’s aim is to ensure that only the five countries which already possess nuclear weapons can retain them. This situation creates a sense of inequality and injustice among other nations.
• After the Ukraine war (2022) and Russia’s nuclear threats, along with situations like the China–Taiwan crisis, it has become clear that treaty provisions alone cannot eliminate the risk of nuclear war.
• Technological advancements like cyber warfare, AI-based missile systems, and hypersonic technology are posing new challenges for non-proliferation policies.

Suggestions to Strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

• To make the NPT more effective and comprehensive, it is essential that its framework enforces uniform rules for all nations.
• For countries like India, Pakistan, and Israel, who are not signatories, there should be efforts for direct dialogue and trust-based partnerships.
• To prevent the digital spread of nuclear technology, AI-based surveillance tools, blockchain data tracking, and robust cybersecurity frameworks must be integrated.
• The Review Conferences held every five years should be made more democratic and transparent.

A global network for education, training, and technical cooperation should be established among member countries to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy.