Recently, the five global nuclear powers, China, Russia, U.S., U.K., and France, pledged to prevent atomic weapons from spreading and avoid nuclear conflict. 

A joint statement was issued after the latest review of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which first came into force in 1970.

Highlights:

• The primary goals of the NPT have been to work towards not just more peaceful uses of nuclear energy but also towards complete nuclear disarmament.
• However, things on ground paint a bleak picture. The hegemonic rise of China has led other countries within its immediate sphere of geographical influence to wonder if they need to develop strategic capabilities to safeguard their sovereignty. 
• The current situation with regard to Ukraine and Russia is also very tense.
• On the other end Australia, through AUKUS, seems to be on a path to acquire nuclear capabilities for its naval fleet, to counter China.
• The P5’s joint statement, ‘Preventing Nuclear War and Avoiding Arms Races’, affirms to non-offensive uses of nuclear weapons and committing to the NPT agreement. 
• The impetus is on the major powers to signal commitment through its actions towards putting an end to the nuclear arms race.

What is the “Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons” (NPT)?

NPT was designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, to further the goals of nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament, and to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

The Treaty represents the only binding commitment in a multilateral treaty to the goal of disarmament by the nuclear-weapon States. 

• Opened for signature in 1968, the Treaty entered into force in 1970. 
• On 11 May 1995, the Treaty was extended indefinitely. 
• A total of 191 States have joined the Treaty, including the five nuclear-weapon States.
• More countries have ratified the NPT than any other arms limitation and disarmament agreement, a testament to the Treaty’s significance.

Status of the Treaty:

The Treaty is regarded as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and an essential foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament. 

• To further the goal of non-proliferation and as a confidence-building measure between States parties, the Treaty establishes a safeguards system under the responsibility of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). 

• Safeguards are used to verify compliance with the Treaty through inspections conducted by the IAEA. 
• The Treaty promotes cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear technology and equal access to this technology for all States parties, while safeguards prevent the diversion of fissile material for weapons use.

What has been the goal of the NPT?

The NPT is a landmark international treaty whose objective is:

• to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, 
• to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and 
• to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament. 

Key provisions: 

• The Treaty defines nuclear weapon states (NWS) as those that had manufactured and detonated a nuclear explosive device prior to 1 January 1967. All the other states are therefore considered non-nuclear weapon states (NNWS). 
• The five nuclear weapon states are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 
• The Treaty does not affect the right of state parties to develop, produce, and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. 

Role of states: 

• Nuclear weapon states are not to transfer to any recipient whatsoever nuclear weapons and not to assist, encourage, or induce any NNWS to manufacture or otherwise acquire them. 
• Non-nuclear weapons states are not to receive nuclear weapons from any transferor, and are not to manufacture or acquire them. 

NNWS must accept the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards on all nuclear materials on their territories or under their control.