Why did India not sign the nuclear treaties like NPT and CTBT? Explain any two reasons.

Class 12th Political Science Question Paper 2023 -Why did India not sign the nuclear treaties like NPT and CTBT? Explain any two reasons.

Question :Why did India not sign the nuclear treaties like NPT and CTBT? Explain
any two reasons.

The correct answer is -India did not sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) for several reasons. Here are two of them:

  1. Lack of equity and universality: India believes that the NPT is discriminatory because it creates a distinction between nuclear weapons states and non-nuclear weapons states. The treaty allows the five original nuclear weapons states (US, Russia, UK, France, and China) to possess nuclear weapons, while prohibiting other countries from acquiring them. India sees this as unfair and argues that nuclear disarmament should be universal, with all states being treated equally.

  2. National Security concerns: India’s decision to not sign the CTBT is primarily based on national security considerations. India views nuclear weapons as a deterrent against potential security threats from neighboring countries, especially Pakistan and China. India also feels that signing the CTBT would undermine its national security and strategic autonomy, as it would constrain its ability to conduct nuclear tests. India maintains that it will only sign the CTBT if it is convinced that it will not adversely impact its national security interests.

In summary, India’s decision not to sign the NPT and CTBT is rooted in its desire for equitable and universal nuclear disarmament, as well as its national security concerns.