UPSC Notes

Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation

PYQs

19

Articles

4

Momentum

48

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.

NPT

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, promote peaceful nuclear energy, and achieve disarmament. India is not a signatory.

CTBT

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) prohibits all nuclear explosions. India has not ratified it, advocating for a comprehensive disarmament framework first.

Moratorium

A nuclear moratorium, such as the one called for by India's PM in 1986, typically refers to a voluntary halt to nuclear weapons testing or production, often as a step towards broader disarmament.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaInternational Relations

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
United NationsImposes sanctions, promotes non-proliferation
United Nations (UN)Promotes
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)Verifies
Workers' Party of KoreaRuling party in north korea, directs nuclear policy
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

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 treaty — Distinguish 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

North Korea’s Kim says country will exercise its position as nuclear state, KCNA reports​​

23 Jun 2026 · North Korea's declaration as a nuclear state and its defiance of international sanctions highlight the ongoing challenges to nuclear non-proliferation efforts and the complexities of global disarmament.

Read article

Donald Trump in the Persian labyrinth

07 Aug 2026 · Nuclear proliferation is the spread of nuclear weapons/technology; disarmament seeks their reduction. NPT and IAEA are key to the non-proliferation regime, facing challenges from dual-use tech and non-compliance, significantly impacting global security.

Read article

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.

Read article

40 years ago October 15, 1986: PM calls for nuclear moratorium

15 Oct 2026 · India's call for a nuclear moratorium in 1986 underscored its long-standing commitment to global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, a cornerstone of its foreign policy aimed at achieving a world free of nuclear weapons.

Read article

Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 19 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.

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

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

2020·Science & Technology
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

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

2017·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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2018·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

In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not participant/ participants? 1. Bangladesh 2. Cambodia 3. Ch...

2015·International Relations
Solve

Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?

2016·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following: 1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank 2. Missile Technology Control Regime 3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation India is a member ...

2022·International Relations
Solve

Match List I with List II and select the answer using the code given below the Lists : | List I (BIMSTEC Centre/Establishment) | List II (Location) | |---|-...

2026·International Relations
Solve

Editorial & Review Process

Every revision note and practice question on UPSC Practice is researched using authoritative primary sources and reviewed for factual accuracy, syllabus relevance, and exam value. Read our Editorial Policy.

Verified Quality