UPSC Notes

Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

UPSC frequently asks about India's nuclear doctrine, its stance on international treaties like NPT and CTBT, and the broader challenges of nuclear proliferation in the context of international relations and security.

Nuclear disarmament refers to the act of reducing or eliminating nuclear weapons, while non-proliferation aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons technology and materials to states that do not possess them. These efforts are central to international security and stability, addressing the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)

Cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, aiming to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament.

Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)

Prohibits all nuclear explosions, for both military and peaceful purposes. It has not yet entered into force due to non-ratification by key states.

India's Stance

India is not a signatory to the NPT (as a non-nuclear weapon state) or the CTBT, advocating for universal, non-discriminatory, and verifiable nuclear disarmament.

Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) under NPT

USA, UK, France, Russia, China.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaInternational Relations

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
United Nations (UN)Promotes
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)Verifies
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding

Prelims angle: Institutional roles and functions

Quick revision

  • NPT aims for non-proliferation, disarmament, and peaceful nuclear energy.
  • CTBT prohibits all nuclear explosions.
  • India is not a signatory to NPT or CTBT.
  • IAEA verifies non-proliferation commitments.
  • Nuclear weapon states under NPT: USA, UK, France, Russia, China.

Elimination traps

Body vs treatyDistinguish between treaties (NPT, CTBT) and the international bodies that oversee or promote them (UN, IAEA).

Treaty = agreement between states; body = institution.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

International Relations
Prelims 2020· Conceptual understanding, Institutional roles and functions

40 years ago, August 8, 1986: Calls for N-test freeze

08 Aug 2026 · Nuclear disarmament seeks to eliminate nuclear weapons, while non-proliferation aims to prevent their spread, with key treaties like NPT and CTBT shaping global efforts.

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Related topics

Current topic

Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

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