COMPREHENSIVE NUCLEAR TEST BAN TREATY
1. Context
- By the mid-1990s, China had already conducted as many as 45 nuclear tests and developed modest delivery systems, including first-generation nuclear missile-carrying submarines.
- China had also conducted a nuclear test for Pakistan, reportedly in May 1990, thereby boosting Rawalpindi's nuclear confidence and emboldening it to foment insurgency in J&K and Punjab.
- Meanwhile, Washington was pressurising countries to join the non-proliferation treaty as non-nuclear weapon states and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty had been put out for signature.
- Caught in a security and non-proliferation bind, India felt compelled to develop its nuclear weapons to establish credible deterrence against nuclear coercion or blackmail by countries that claimed Indian territories.
2. About The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
- The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) is an international treaty aimed at prohibiting all nuclear explosions for both military and civilian purposes.
- Its main objective is to prevent the testing of nuclear weapons and to contribute to global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.
- The CTBT was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996 and opened for signature the same year.
Image Source: CTBTO3. Articles of the Treaty
Article III: Treay Scope clarifies that the treaty does not affect the right of States Parties to conduct nuclear explosions for peaceful purposes, such as nuclear energy production and scientific research.
Article IV: Verification elaborates on the global verification regime established to monitor compliance with the treaty's provisions. This regime includes the International Monitoring System (IMS), the International Data Centre (IDC), Consultation and clarification processes, on-site inspections and confidence-building measures.
Article V: Compliance and Redress outlines measures to redress a situation where a State Party believes that another State Party has violated the treaty's provisions or is in non-compliance.
Article VI: Settlement of Disputes This article provides a framework for settling disputes that may arise concerning the application or interpretation of the CTBT.
Article VII: Amendments It outlines the procedures for amending the treaty if deemed necessary by the State's Parties.
Article VIII: Review Conferences This article stipulates that review conferences will take place after the treaty enters into force to assess its implementation and effectiveness.
Article IX: Duration and Withdrawal Article IX specifies that the CTBT is of unlimited duration and that States Parties have the right to withdraw from the treaty under specific conditions.
Article X: Status of the Protocol and Annexes This article clarifies the status of the Protocol and its annexes, which complement the treaty.
Article XI: Signature Article XI allows States to sign the CTBT to demonstrate their intention to be bound by its provisions.
Article XII: Ratification Article XII outlines the process of ratification by States Parties to legally bind themselves to the treaty.
Article XIII: Accession Article XIII allows States that did not sign the treaty to become parties to it through accession.
Article XIV: Entry into Force This critical article specifies that the treaty will enter into force 180 days after it has been ratified by the 44 States listed in Annex 2 of the treaty.
Article XV: Reservations stipulates that the CTBT shall not be subject to reservations, ensuring uniform adherence to its provisions.
Article XVI: Depositary This article designates the United Nations Secretary-General as the depositary of the CTBT.
Article XVII: Authentic Texts Article XVII confirms that the Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish texts of the treaty are equally authentic.
4. Key Features of the CTBT
Ban on Nuclear Explosions: The CTBT establishes a comprehensive ban on nuclear explosions, regardless of their size or purpose. It encompasses all types of nuclear tests, including those conducted underground, underwater, in the atmosphere, or space.
Verification Mechanism: To monitor compliance with the treaty, the CTBT sets up a global verification regime. This regime includes the International Monitoring System (IMS), consisting of monitoring stations around the world, and the International Data Centre (IDC), responsible for data analysis and dissemination.
Entry into Force: The CTBT will enter into force after being ratified by 44 specific countries listed in Annex 2 of the treaty. These countries are known as the Annex 2 states and include nuclear-capable states and countries that participated in the negotiations of the treaty.
Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy: The CTBT recognizes the right of states to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, such as energy production and scientific research, as long as it complies with the treaty's provisions.
5. Challenges and Progress
- Despite its merits, the CTBT has faced challenges in achieving its entry into force.
- Some key nuclear-capable states, including the United States, China, and North Korea, have not yet ratified the treaty, citing national security concerns and the need for nuclear deterrence.
- Nonetheless, the CTBT has made significant progress in curbing nuclear testing and promoting disarmament norms.
- The IMS and IDC have demonstrated their effectiveness in detecting nuclear explosions, providing an essential verification mechanism to ensure compliance.
- The CTBT has also contributed to fostering a global norm against nuclear testing.
- Most nuclear-capable states have observed an informal moratorium on nuclear testing since the treaty's adoption, reflecting its influence in shaping international behaviour.
6. Conclusion
- The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty remains a crucial pillar in the global efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation and achieve a world free of nuclear weapons.
- As the international community continues to advocate for its universalization and entry into force, diplomatic efforts and dialogue are essential to address the concerns of Annex 2 states and advance nuclear disarmament goals.
- A fully effective CTBT will contribute significantly to global security and stability, reinforcing the importance of collective efforts towards nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.
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For Prelims: CTBT, United Nations, nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament, International Monitoring System, International Data Centre,
For Mains:
1. Examine the context in which India felt compelled to develop its nuclear weapons, citing the pressure from non-proliferation treaties and China's nuclear tests. Discuss the significance of credible deterrence in shaping India's nuclear policy. (250 words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) is associated with the ban on which of the following? (Rajasthan PTET 2012)
A. Ban on certain organisations under UN laws
B. Ban on money laundering activities
C. Ban on nuclear tests for developing arsenals
D. Ban on terrorism
Answer: C
2. With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)
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?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
3. Consider the following countries: (UPSC 2015)
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 the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 1, 3, 4 and 5 only C. 2, 4 and 5 only D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: A
4. What is/are the consequence/consequences of a country becoming a member of the 'Nuclear Suppliers Group'? (UPSC 2018)
1. It will have access to the latest and most efficient nuclear technologies.
2. It automatically becomes a member of "The Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)".
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A
5. With reference to 'Organization for the Prohibitions of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)', consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016)
1. It is an organization of European Union in working relation with NATO and WHO.
2. It monitors the chemical industry to prevent new weapons from emerging.
3. It provides assistance and protection to States (Parties) against chemical weapons threats. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
6. In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cybersecurity incidents? (UPSC 2017)
1. Service providers
2. Data centres
3. Body corporate
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 only B. 1 and 2 only C. 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
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