UPSC Notes

Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation

PYQs

15

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.

Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 15 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.

In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA Safeguards” while others are not?

2020·Science & Technology
Solve

Consider the following countries - 1. China 2. France 3. India 4. Israel 5. Pakistan Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the T...

2015·International Relations
Solve

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany visited India in January, 2026. Which of the following is/are **not** correct in terms of outcomes of this ...

2026·International Relations
Solve

With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements: 1. The UN General Assembly can grant observer status to the non-mem...

2022·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following statements: 1. The Nuclear Security Summits are periodically held under the aegis of the United Nations. 2. The International Panel o...

2017·International Relations
Solve

Which of the following international conventions have **not** been ratified by India? 1. Employment Policy Convention 2. Abolition of Forced Labour Conventi...

2026·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following statements : Statement-I: Recently, the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU) have launched the 'Trade and Techn...

2023·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following countries: I. Austria II. Bulgaria III. Croatia IV. Serbia V. Sweden VI. North Macedonia How many of the above are members of the No...

2025·International Relations
Solve

In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the 'Additional Protocol' with the `International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'?

2018·International Relations
Solve

With reference to ‘Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)’ consider the following statements: 1. It is an organization of European Unio...

2016·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following pairs : Area of conflict mentioned in news Country where it is located 1. Donbas : Syria 2. Kachin : Ethiopia 3. Tigray : North Yem...

2023·International Relations
Solve

With reference to the “United Nations Credentials Committee”, consider the following statements: 1. It is a committee set up by the UN Security Council and w...

2022·International Relations
Solve

India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect

2025·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following statements: 1. Bidibidi is a large refugee settlement in north -western Kenya. 2. Some people who fled from South Sudan civil war l...

2022·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following pairs : Regions : often Reason for being in news 1. North Kivu and Ituri : War between Armenia and Azerbaijan 2. Nagorno-Karabakh : In...

2023·International Relations
Solve

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