Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

Source: TW

Context: Amid escalating conflict with Israel, Iran’s Parliament is preparing a Bill that may trigger its withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

About Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT):

• What it is? NPT is a global treaty that aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and technology, while promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy and global nuclear disarmament.

• NPT is a global treaty that aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and technology, while promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy and global nuclear disarmament.

• Established in: Signed in 1968, entered into force in 1970.

• Members: 191 countries are parties to the treaty. Notable non-signatories: India, Pakistan, Israel (North Korea withdrew in 2003).

• 191 countries are parties to the treaty.

• Notable non-signatories: India, Pakistan, Israel (North Korea withdrew in 2003).

• Objectives: Prevent nuclear weapons proliferation: Limits the spread of nuclear weapons beyond the five recognised states, ensuring global security. Promote peaceful nuclear energy: Supports international cooperation in civilian nuclear technology under strict IAEA Work toward global disarmament: Encourages progressive steps for complete nuclear disarmament through diplomatic and legal means.

• Prevent nuclear weapons proliferation: Limits the spread of nuclear weapons beyond the five recognised states, ensuring global security.

• Promote peaceful nuclear energy: Supports international cooperation in civilian nuclear technology under strict IAEA

• Work toward global disarmament: Encourages progressive steps for complete nuclear disarmament through diplomatic and legal means.

• Key Features: Nuclear States Defined: Recognises only five states (USA, UK, Russia, France, China) that tested nuclear weapons before 1967 as nuclear-weapon states. Safeguards System: IAEA monitors civilian nuclear programs to ensure nuclear materials are not diverted to weapons use. Withdrawal Clause: Article 10 allows any state to exit the treaty with 3 months’ notice if national security interests are at risk. Global Coverage: With 191 member countries, NPT is one of the world’s most universal treaties — despite criticism over the P5 monopoly. Verification Mechanism: IAEA inspectors conduct regular site visits to verify compliance and uphold the integrity of non-proliferation norms.

• Nuclear States Defined: Recognises only five states (USA, UK, Russia, France, China) that tested nuclear weapons before 1967 as nuclear-weapon states.

• Safeguards System: IAEA monitors civilian nuclear programs to ensure nuclear materials are not diverted to weapons use.

• Withdrawal Clause: Article 10 allows any state to exit the treaty with 3 months’ notice if national security interests are at risk.

• Global Coverage: With 191 member countries, NPT is one of the world’s most universal treaties — despite criticism over the P5 monopoly.

• Verification Mechanism: IAEA inspectors conduct regular site visits to verify compliance and uphold the integrity of non-proliferation norms.

• India and NPT:

• India is not a signatory to the NPT, citing its discriminatory nature (P5 privilege).

• India maintains a strong non-proliferation record through responsible nuclear policy and NSG engagement.