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What is India’s stance on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?

What is India’s stance on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?

08-Aug-2025

International Law

Answer By law4u team

India’s stance on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is one of firm opposition to signing it in its current form. India has consistently refused to join the NPT since its inception in 1968, and this position remains unchanged. Key Reasons for India’s Opposition to NPT: 1. Discriminatory Nature of the Treaty India considers the NPT discriminatory because it: Legitimizes the possession of nuclear weapons by only five countries (USA, Russia, UK, France, China – the P5), which are recognized as Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) Prohibits all other countries, including India, from acquiring or developing nuclear weapons, creating a nuclear hierarchy 2. No Time-bound Disarmament Commitment India believes the NPT lacks a concrete and time-bound plan for complete global nuclear disarmament. 3. National Security Concerns India’s refusal is also rooted in security considerations, especially with nuclear-armed neighbors like China (an NPT member) and Pakistan (also a non-signatory but a nuclear power). India's Alternative Approach: While not a signatory to the NPT, India supports the goal of global nuclear disarmament and adheres to the following principles: No First Use (NFU) nuclear policy Voluntary moratorium on nuclear testing (after Pokhran-II in 1998) Responsible nuclear doctrine with strict command-and-control systems Commitment to non-transfer of nuclear weapons and technology International Recognition Despite Non-signing: In 2008, India received a waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), allowing it to engage in nuclear trade despite not signing the NPT. The India–US Civil Nuclear Agreement recognized India as a responsible nuclear power. India maintains bilateral agreements with various countries for peaceful nuclear cooperation under IAEA safeguards. India’s Consistent Statement: India will consider joining the NPT as a Nuclear Weapon State if the treaty is universal, non-discriminatory, and balanced in obligations and rights. Conclusion: India’s stance is that the NPT, in its current form, is inequitable and unjust, but it remains committed to non-proliferation, disarmament, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy, maintaining a responsible nuclear posture outside the NPT framework.

Answer By Anik

Dear Client, India has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and has spoken against it ever since its inception in 1968. It views the treaty to be discriminatory because it enables five states to legally hold nuclear weapons yet others are denied the privileges. India claims it needs to have its own deterrent to meet its security interests involving its neighbours who are nuclear weapons armed states such as China and Pakistan. It also feels that the treaty is more important in asking new countries not to procure nuclear weapons rather than ensuring utter nuclear disarmament by the nuclear powers. Rather, India advocates a non-discriminatory, time-bound and universal agreement of global nuclear disarmament. I hope this answer helps.

Answer By Ayantika Mondal

Dear Client, India reports that it is non-party to the NPT and has no intent to join. Also, the Indian point of view is that the NPT is biased which which only allows the 5 UN Security Council’s permanent members (U.S., Russia, China, France, and the UK) are allowed to own nuclear weapons, which is also the issue of this treaty. Key Reasons for India's Stance Discrimination: The NPT puts the world into two groups of states, which which tested nuclear weapons before January 1, 1967 and thus are recognised as “Nuclear-Weapon States,” and all other countries. India presents this as very unequal. Failure of Disarmament: A founding tenet of the NPT is that whichever states that have become nuclear-armed are to get rid of their nuclear weapons. India reports that these states are not making the large-scale progress which the treaty calls for, which basically leaves the issue of a nuclear-free world as a dead letter. Security Concerns: India’s move to develop its own nuclear arsenal was in response to what it saw as security threats from neighbouring nuclear powers, especially China. India reports that its nuclear program is a key element of national security and deterrence. Global, Non-Discriminatory Disarmament: India states that it will go in support of a universal, non-discriminatory, and verifiable treaty that includes all countries in the same way, which in turn we aim at fully eliminating nuclear weapons from the world. I hope this answer will help you resolve your queries. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Thank you.