Nuclear Non-Proliferation Framework
The global nuclear non-proliferation regime is built around the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which seeks to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, promote disarmament, and facilitate peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
- NPT: Opened for signature 1968; entered into force 1970; 191 parties (near-universal)
- The NPT recognizes five Nuclear Weapon States (NWS): US, Russia, UK, France, China (those who tested before January 1, 1967)
- Non-signatories: India, Pakistan, Israel (none has signed the NPT); North Korea withdrew in 2003
- India's position: India opposes the NPT as "discriminatory" because it creates a two-tier system of nuclear haves and have-nots
- CTBT (Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, 1996): Not yet in force; India, Pakistan, and the US have not ratified
- India's No First Use (NFU) policy: India's nuclear doctrine pledges not to use nuclear weapons first, maintaining a credible minimum deterrent with massive retaliation capability
- The India-US Nuclear Deal (123 Agreement, 2008) allowed India to engage in civilian nuclear trade despite not being an NPT signatory
● Tracked since March 05, 2026 · last seen July 24, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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