ARMS & NUCLEAR TREATIES
International Relation
INTRODUCTION
Arms control and nuclear treaties form a core part of International Relations static syllabus, especially for prelims. These treaties aim to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, regulate arms transfers, and reduce the risk of global conflict. For beginners, this topic helps in understanding how the international community attempts to balance national security with global peace. From an OPSC prelims perspective, questions are mostly factual, focusing on objectives, membership, key provisions, and India’s position.
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NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY (NPT)
BACKGROUND AND ORIGIN
• Opened for signature in 1968
• Came into force in 1970
• Extended indefinitely in 1995
• Cornerstone of global nuclear non-proliferation regime
OBJECTIVES
• Prevent spread of nuclear weapons
• Promote peaceful use of nuclear energy
• Advance nuclear disarmament
KEY FEATURES
• Recognises five Nuclear Weapon States (NWS):
– United States
– Russia
– United Kingdom
– France
– China
• Other countries classified as Non-Nuclear Weapon States
• Non-Nuclear Weapon States cannot acquire nuclear weapons
• IAEA safeguards apply to peaceful nuclear activities
INDIA AND NPT
• India is not a signatory
• India considers NPT discriminatory
• NPT legitimises nuclear weapons for a few countries only
PRELIMS POINTER
• NPT does not ban nuclear weapons
• It restricts proliferation
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COMPREHENSIVE TEST BAN TREATY (CTBT)
BACKGROUND
• Adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1996
• Bans all nuclear explosions for military or civilian purposes
KEY FEATURES
• Prohibits nuclear weapon test explosions
• Establishes International Monitoring System (IMS)
• Not yet in force
WHY CTBT NOT IN FORCE
• Requires ratification by 44 specific nuclear-capable states
• Some key states have not ratified
INDIA AND CTBT
• India is not a signatory
• India opposes CTBT due to linkage with NPT framework
PRELIMS POINTER
• CTBT bans testing, not possession
• Treaty is adopted but not operational
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FISSILE MATERIAL CUT-OFF TREATY (FMCT)
BACKGROUND
• Proposed treaty (not yet finalised)
• Negotiated under Conference on Disarmament
OBJECTIVE
• Prohibit production of fissile material for nuclear weapons
CURRENT STATUS
• Still under negotiation
• No legally binding treaty yet
INDIA’S POSITION
• India supports a non-discriminatory FMCT
• Demands inclusion of existing stockpiles
PRELIMS POINTER
• FMCT does not exist as a treaty yet
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MISSILE TECHNOLOGY CONTROL REGIME (MTCR)
BACKGROUND
• Established in 1987
• Informal multilateral export control regime
OBJECTIVE
• Limit proliferation of missile and drone technology capable of carrying WMDs
KEY FEATURES
• Controls export of missiles with range ≥300 km and payload ≥500 kg
• Not a treaty; operates on voluntary cooperation
MEMBERSHIP
• 35 member countries
• India became a member in 2016
SIGNIFICANCE FOR INDIA
• Access to advanced missile technology
• Boosts India’s space and defence programmes
PRELIMS POINTER
• MTCR is not legally binding
• Focuses on delivery systems, not warheads
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WASSENAAR ARRANGEMENT
BACKGROUND
• Established in 1996
• Named after Wassenaar town in Netherlands
OBJECTIVE
• Promote transparency in conventional arms transfers
• Control export of dual-use goods and technologies
KEY FEATURES
• Covers conventional arms and dual-use items
• Prevents destabilising arms accumulation
INDIA AND WASSENAAR
• India became a member in 2017
PRELIMS POINTER
• Not related to nuclear weapons directly
• Focus on conventional arms
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AUSTRALIA GROUP
BACKGROUND
• Established in 1985
• Informal export control regime
OBJECTIVE
• Prevent spread of chemical and biological weapons
KEY FEATURES
• Controls export of chemical precursors and biological agents
INDIA AND AUSTRALIA GROUP
• India became a member in 2018
PRELIMS POINTER
• Deals with chemical and biological weapons, not nuclear
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SUMMARY TABLE FOR QUICK REVISION
• NPT – Non-proliferation of nuclear weapons
• CTBT – Ban on nuclear testing
• FMCT – Proposed ban on fissile material production
• MTCR – Missile delivery systems control
• Wassenaar – Conventional arms & dual-use goods
• Australia Group – Chemical & biological weapons
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CURRENT RELEVANCE
• Arms control treaties frequently appear in news due to geopolitical tensions
• Export control regimes important for India’s strategic partnerships
• Questions often mix membership and objectives
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CONCLUSION
Arms and nuclear treaties are high-yield static topics for OPSC prelims due to their factual and repetitive nature. A clear understanding of objectives, status, and India’s position helps beginners avoid common traps in MCQs. Mastery of these treaties provides a strong foundation for both prelims and advanced understanding of global security architecture.
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Subject: International Relation
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