Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
📰 Source: The Week (TW)
Context: Amid escalating tensions with Israel, Iran’s Parliament is preparing a bill that may lead to its withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
About the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT):
What is it?
The NPT is a global treaty aimed at:
- Preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and technology
- Promoting peaceful use of nuclear energy
- Advancing global nuclear disarmament
Established in:
- Signed in 1968
- Came into force in 1970
Members:
- 191 countries are parties to the treaty
- Notable non-signatories: India, Pakistan, Israel
- North Korea withdrew in 2003
Objectives:
- Prevent nuclear weapons proliferation
- Limits nuclear weapons to five recognized states for global security
- Promote peaceful nuclear energy
- Encourages cooperation in civilian nuclear technology under IAEA oversight
- Work toward global disarmament
- Calls for progressive steps toward a world free of nuclear weapons through legal and diplomatic means
Key Features:
- Nuclear-Weapon States Defined: Only the USA, UK, Russia, France, and China (who tested weapons before 1967) are recognized
- Safeguards System: Civilian nuclear activities are monitored by the IAEA to prevent diversion to weapon programs
- Withdrawal Clause: Under Article 10, any country can withdraw with 3 months’ notice if its national security is at risk
- Global Reach: With 191 members, it is one of the most universally accepted treaties, despite criticisms of the P5 monopoly
- Verification Mechanism: IAEA inspectors regularly verify compliance with treaty norms
India and the NPT:
- India is not a member, citing the treaty's discriminatory nature that favors the P5
- Despite this, India maintains a strong non-proliferation record through responsible nuclear policy and active engagement with the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
Q1. Which of the following countries is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?
A. France
B. China
C. India
D. Germany
✅ Answer: C. India
2. List Type
Q2. Which of the following are key objectives of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?
- Prevent the spread of nuclear weapons
- Promote peaceful use of nuclear energy
- Expand nuclear testing in developing countries
- Work toward global nuclear disarmament
Select the correct code:
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 3 and 4 only
✅ Answer: B. 1, 2 and 4 only
3. Match the Following Type
Q3. Match the following features with corresponding aspects of the NPT:
| A. Article 10 | 1. Limits nuclear weapons to five recognized states
| B. Safeguards System | 2. Monitored by IAEA for peaceful nuclear use
| C. Verification Mechanism | 3. Regular compliance inspections
| D. Non-Proliferation Objective | 4. Allows withdrawal with 3-month notice
Options:
A. A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
B. A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3
C. A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
D. A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
✅ Answer: A. A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
4. Assertion-Reason Type
Q4.
Assertion (A): The NPT recognizes only five countries as official nuclear-weapon states.
Reason (R): These five countries tested nuclear weapons before 1967.
A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.
✅ Answer: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
5. Simple Type
Q5. Under which international body does the NPT implement its safeguards and verification mechanisms?
A. United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
B. World Nuclear Council
C. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
D. International Nuclear Safety Board
✅ Answer: C. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
GS Paper 2 – International Institutions | GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology, Security Issues
What is NSG?
The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a multilateral export control regime that aims to prevent nuclear proliferation by controlling the export of nuclear materials, equipment, and technology.
- Established in: 1974, in response to India's nuclear test ("Smiling Buddha")
- Headquarters: No formal headquarters; decisions are made through consensus
- Members: 48 countries (as of 2025)
Objectives of NSG
- Ensure that nuclear trade does not contribute to the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
- Promote safe and responsible use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
- Implement guidelines that regulate the transfer of nuclear-related dual-use materials.
Why was NSG Formed?
- After India’s 1974 nuclear test, it became clear that nuclear technology meant for peaceful use could be diverted to weapons programs.
- NSG was created to supplement the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) by ensuring tighter controls on nuclear exports.
Key Features of NSG
|
Feature
|
Details
|
|
📜 Consensus-based
|
All decisions require unanimous agreement
|
|
⚖ Voluntary guidelines
|
Not legally binding, but followed by members
|
|
🔁 Two sets of guidelines
|
1. Nuclear material and technology
2. Dual-use items and technologies
|
|
🔍 Regular Plenary Meetings
|
To update control lists and review new applications
|
India and the NSG
- Not a member, but has been seeking entry since 2008.
- India was granted a “clean waiver” in 2008, allowing it to engage in civil nuclear trade despite not being an NPT signatory.
- Supporters: USA, France, UK, Russia
- Opposition: China (insists on NPT membership as a prerequisite)
- India’s argument: It has an impeccable non-proliferation record and separates civil and military nuclear facilities.
NSG Membership Criteria
There is no formal charter, but generally, members must:
- Be able to supply nuclear technology.
- Follow NPT or equivalent non-proliferation commitments.
- Support the goals of non-proliferation.
- Implement effective export controls.
Significance of NSG for India
✅ Access to nuclear technology for power generation
✅ Energy security and meeting climate targets
✅ Participation in nuclear rule-making
✅ Boost to India's strategic and global status
Challenges for India
- NPT non-signatory status
- China’s block using the “criteria-based approach”
- Lack of consensus among NSG members
India's Strategy
- Engage in nuclear diplomacy and bilateral nuclear deals (e.g., with USA, France, Russia)
- Highlight its clean record and responsible nuclear behavior
- Seek support from like-minded democracies and global South
Conclusion
India’s inclusion in the NSG is crucial for its clean energy goals, strategic autonomy, and role in global nuclear governance. However, the geopolitical dynamics, especially with China, make the path challenging.
[1. Simple-Type Question]
Q. The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) was established in response to which of the following events?
(a) North Korea's nuclear weapons test
(b) India's "Smiling Buddha" nuclear test of 1974
(c) Signing of the NPT in 1968
(d) Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986
✅ Answer: (b) India's "Smiling Buddha" nuclear test of 1974
📝 Explanation: The NSG was formed after India’s 1974 nuclear test to regulate the export of nuclear materials and prevent nuclear proliferation.
✅ [2. List-Type Question]
Q. Which of the following are key objectives of the NSG?
- Promoting peaceful use of nuclear energy
- Granting all countries the right to possess nuclear weapons
- Controlling the export of dual-use materials
- Preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons
Select the correct code:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
✅ Answer: (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
📝 Explanation: NSG focuses on preventing proliferation, promoting peaceful nuclear energy use, and regulating exports of dual-use materials. It does not support the universal right to possess nuclear weapons.
✅ [3. Assertion-Reason Type Question]
Assertion (A): India received a “clean waiver” from the NSG in 2008.
Reason (R): India has signed the NPT and is a full member of the NSG.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but R is true.
✅ Answer: (c) A is true, but R is false.
📝 Explanation: India received a clean waiver in 2008 without signing the NPT. However, India is still not a full NSG member.
✅ [4. Match the Following Type Question]
Q. Match the following NSG-related elements with their correct descriptions:
| A. NSG Membership Criteria | 1. Implementing nuclear export controls
| B. Decision-making Process | 2. Based on consensus
| C. Two Types of Guidelines | 3. Nuclear materials and dual-use technologies
| D. Monitoring Mechanism | 4. Inspection by the IAEA
Options:
(a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
(b) A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
(c) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
(d) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
✅ Answer: (a) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
📝 Explanation: NSG expects member countries to apply export controls, make decisions by consensus, follow guidelines for nuclear and dual-use items, and rely on IAEA monitoring.
✅ [5. Simple-Type Question]
Q. What is the main reason behind China’s repeated opposition to India’s membership in the NSG?
(a) India does not meet NSG’s technical criteria
(b) India is not a signatory to the NPT
(c) India has never conducted a nuclear test
(d) India opposed China in the UNSC
✅ Answer: (b) India is not a signatory to the NPT
📝 Explanation: China argues that NSG membership requires NPT accession, whereas India believes this condition is discriminatory.