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UN nuclear non-proliferation talks fail

23 May 2026 Source

Exam Summary

Talks at the UN to reaffirm nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament goals failed for the third consecutive time, with negotiators unable to agree on a substantive document to review the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The failure is attributed to persistent disagreements among member states, particularly between nuclear-armed states and others, regarding issues like Iran's nuclear program, North Korea's arsenal, and the US-Russia New START treaty. Experts note that while the NPT still exists, its legitimacy is diminished amidst fears of a renewed arms race and increasing global proliferation risks. Nine states (Russia, US, France, UK, China, India, Pakistan, Israel, North Korea) possess nuclear weapons, with many modernizing or increasing their stockpiles.

GS Paper 2: International Relations - Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests; Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

UPSC concepts in this story

These are durable syllabus ideas — use them for revision, not article memory.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

The NPT is a multilateral treaty established in 1970 with three pillars: preventing the spread of nuclear weapons (non-proliferation), promoting complete dis...

International Relations 8 PYQs 1 developments

Exam Themes

International Relations Geopolitics & International Conflicts

Prelims Takeaways

  • Understand the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) its three pillars (non-proliferation, disarmament, peaceful use of nuclear energy), its entry into force (1970), and its status as the cornerstone of nuclear weapons control.
  • Identify the countries that are non-signatories to the NPT but possess nuclear weapons (India, Pakistan, Israel, North Korea).
  • Know the nine nuclear-armed states mentioned Russia, United States, France, United Kingdom, China, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea.
  • Be aware of the current challenges to nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, including the repeated failures of NPT review conferences and the modernization/expansion of nuclear arsenals.
  • Familiarize with the New START treaty between the US and Russia, which limits their strategic offensive arms.
  • Understand the roles of international organizations like the UN, SIPRI, and ICAN in nuclear disarmament efforts.

Elimination Traps

  • Confusing the NPT with other nuclear treaties (e.g., CTBT, FMCT).
  • Mistaking the failure of NPT review talks for the complete collapse or invalidation of the NPT itself.
  • Incorrectly identifying NPT signatory vs. non-signatory nuclear powers.

Static Concepts

  • Nuclear non-proliferation
  • Nuclear disarmament
  • Nuclear weapons
  • Arms race
  • Peaceful use of nuclear energy

Probable Question Areas

Question areas
  • Objectives and key provisions of the NPT.
Question areas
  • India's stance on the NPT and its nuclear doctrine.
Question areas
  • Current global nuclear arsenal statistics and trends.
Question areas
  • Significance and challenges of international arms control treaties like New START.
Question areas
  • Role of international bodies in promoting nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
Conceptual Recurrence

Related Prelims PYQs

Ranked by topic match, theme match, recency, and recurring UPSC patterns.

UPSC Prelims 2015 International Relations

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 Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly known as Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?

  1. A. 1 and 2 only
  2. B. 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
  3. C. 2, 4 and 5 only
  4. D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Explanation
Correct answer
A. 1 and 2 only

The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) recognizes five states as nuclear-weapon states:
- The United States, - Russia, - The United Kingdom, - France,
- China (also the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council). Four other states are known or believed to possess nuclear weapons India, Pakistan and North Korea have openly tested and declared that they possess nuclear weapons, while Israel has had a policy of opacity regarding its nuclear weapons program.

International Relations Geopolitics & International Conflicts
UPSC Prelims 2025 International Relations

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

  1. A. India to Central Asia to Europe via Iran
  2. B. India to Central Asia via China
  3. C. India to South-East Asia through Bangladesh and Myanmar
  4. D. India to Europe through Azerbaijan
Explanation
Correct answer
A. India to Central Asia to Europe via Iran

The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a multimodal transport network aimed at boosting trade between India, Central Asia, Russia, and Europe, using a combination of sea, rail, and road routes via Iran. The corridor connects Mumbai → Bandar Abbas (Iran) → Azerbaijan → Russia → Europe, with access to Central Asia.

International Relations Geopolitics & International Conflicts
UPSC Prelims 2018 International Relations

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

  1. A. The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.
  2. B. The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA.
  3. C. The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group NSG.
  4. D. The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.
Explanation
Correct answer
A. The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.

India signed the Additional Protocol to the IAEA safeguards agreement on May 15, 2009. An additional protocol to the Safeguards Agreement between the Government of India and the IAEA for the Application of Safeguards to Civilian Nuclear Facilities entered into force on 25 July 2014. Hence option 1 is correct.

International Relations Geopolitics & International Conflicts
UPSC Prelims 2022 International Relations

With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements:
1. The UN General Assembly can grant observer status to the non-member States.
2. Inter-governmental organisations can seek observer status in the UN General Assembly.
3. Permanent Observers in the UN General Assembly can maintain missions at the UN headquarters.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

  1. A. 1 and 2 only
  2. B. 2 and 3 only
  3. C. 1 and 3 only
  4. D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Correct answer
D. 1, 2 and 3

Statement 1 is correct. The United Nations General Assembly may grant non-member states, international organizations, and other entities Permanent Observer Status. Statement 2 is correct. The General Assembly decided that observer status would be confined to States and intergovernmental organizations whose activities cover matters of interest to the Assembly. Statement 3 is correct. Permanent Observers may participate in the sessions and workings of the General Assembly and maintain missions at the UN Headquarters.

International Relations Geopolitics & International Conflicts
UPSC Prelims 2023 International Relations

Consider the following statements:
Statement-I :Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States.
Statement-II :The 'Arab Peace Initiative' Mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
  2. B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
  3. C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
  4. D. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Explanation
Correct answer
C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

* Statement I is correct: Several Arab states, including Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan, have established diplomatic relations with Israel. * Statement II is incorrect: The Arab Peace Initiative, mediated by Saudi Arabia, was endorsed by the Arab League but not signed by Israel. It outlines a path towards peace in exchange for Israeli concessions, but Israel has not formally accepted all its terms.

International Relations Geopolitics & International Conflicts
UPSC Prelims 2020 Science & Technology

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

  1. A. Some use uranium and other use thorium
  2. B. Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
  3. C. Some are operated by foreign enterprises and other are operated by domestic enterprises
  4. D. Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned
Explanation
Correct answer
B. Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies

IAEA safeguards are a set of technical safeguards applied by the IAEA to independently verify any nuclear facilities to check if it is not misused or deviated from peaceful uses. IAEA Safeguards are meant to understand if imported/enriched uranium is not used for non-peaceful purposes. New reactors under IAEA safeguards The decision will be based on the source of uranium.

Science & Technology International Relations Renewable & Clean Energy Geopolitics & International Conflicts
UPSC Prelims 2018 International Relations

The term "two-state solution" is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of -

  1. A. China
  2. B. Israel
  3. C. Iraq
  4. D. Yemen
Explanation
Correct answer
B. Israel

The Two-State Solution is used in the context of the Israel-Palestine issue. It envisages an independent State of Palestine alongside the State of Israel west of the Jordan River.

International Relations Current Affairs Geopolitics & International Conflicts
UPSC Prelims 2016 International Relations

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

  1. A. Iran
  2. B. Saudi Arabia
  3. C. Oman
  4. D. Kuwait
Explanation
Correct answer
A. Iran

The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, originally (and still colloquially) known as the Gulf Cooperation Council, is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union consisting of all Arab states of the Persian Gulf except Iran. Its member states are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The Charter of the Gulf Cooperation Council was signed on 25 May 1981, formally establishing the institution. Hence, option A is the correct answer.

International Relations Geopolitics & International Conflicts
UPSC Prelims 2015 International Relations

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

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. A. 1 only
  2. B. 2, 3 and 4
  3. C. 1 and 3 only
  4. D. 1, 2 and 5 only
Explanation
Correct answer
C. 1 and 3 only

All 6 participants of the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation are member countries bordering the basins of the Mekong and Ganga rivers, aiming to collaborate on various initiatives. These countries are: - India - Cambodia - Laos - Myanmar - Thailand - Vietnam Hence, China & Bangladesh are not part of the Mekong-Ganga Corporation.

International Relations Geopolitics & International Conflicts
UPSC Prelims 2025 International Relations

Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS:

I. 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan.
II. Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS.
III. The theme of the 16th BRICS Summit was Strengthening Multiculturalism for Just Global Development and Security.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A. I and II
  2. B. II and III
  3. C. I and III
  4. D. I only
Explanation
Correct answer
A. I and II

✅ Statement I: Correct
*The 16th BRICS Summit was held in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024 under Russia’s chairship. Russia held the rotating presidency in 2024, and the summit took place from October 22-24 in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan.* ✅ Statement II: Correct
*Indonesia became a full member of BRICS in January 2025, becoming the first Southeast Asian nation and the 10th member of the bloc.* ❌ Statement III: Incorrect
*The theme of the 16th BRICS Summit is "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security." The statement used "Multiculturalism" instead of "Multilateralism," making it incorrect for this question.* Therefore, only statements I and II are correct.

International Relations Geopolitics & International Conflicts