Hindu Editorial Analysis : 6-April-2024

Almost seventy years ago, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru delivered a pivotal speech on nuclear disarmament, showcasing India’s commitment to global peace. His vision emphasized the importance of eliminating nuclear weapons and the responsibility of nations to work towards a safer world.

Understanding Nuclear Disarmament

Nuclear disarmament involves the elimination or reduction of nuclear weapons. It can happen in two ways:

  • Unilateral disarmament: A single nation decides to eliminate its nuclear weapons.
  • Reciprocal disarmament: Multiple countries agree to reduce their arsenals together.

This process can involve:

  • Reducing the total number of weapons.
  • Eliminating specific categories of nuclear arms.

Key Treaties in Nuclear Disarmament

Several important treaties aim to promote nuclear disarmament:

  • Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT):
    • Signed in 1968, effective since 1970.
    • Aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and encourages disarmament.
    • Divides states into nuclear-weapon states (NWS) and non-nuclear-weapon states (NNWS).
  • Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW):
    • Adopted in 2017, opened for signature in 2018.
    • Seeks to prohibit all nuclear weapons-related activities.
    • Not yet signed by any nuclear-armed state.
  • Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT):
    • Opened for signature in 1996.
    • Aims to ban all nuclear explosions.
    • Requires ratification by nuclear-armed states to take effect.
  • Outer Space Treaty:
    • Enforced since 1967.
    • Prohibits the placement of weapons of mass destruction in space.
    • All nine nuclear-capable states are party to this treaty.

Arguments for Nuclear Disarmament

  1. Humanitarian Concerns: The destructive power of nuclear weapons can lead to massive casualties and environmental damage.
  2. Global Security: Reducing nuclear arms lowers the risk of accidental or intentional use, promoting safety.
  3. Economic Benefits: Money spent on nuclear weapons could be redirected towards health, education, and infrastructure.
  4. Encouragement of Non-Proliferation: Commitment to disarmament can inspire non-nuclear states to avoid developing their own nuclear weapons.
  5. Ethical Considerations: Many view the elimination of nuclear weapons as a moral responsibility to ensure a peaceful world.
  6. Environmental Protection: Nuclear tests and their potential use harm the environment through contamination.

Arguments Against Nuclear Disarmament

  1. Deterrence: Some believe nuclear weapons prevent conflicts by acting as a powerful deterrent.
  2. National Security: Countries feel safer with nuclear arsenals, protecting their interests in uncertain times.
  3. Strategic Stability: Nuclear weapons can maintain a balance of power between rival nations.
  4. Verification Concerns: Without effective monitoring, countries may not adhere to disarmament agreements.
  5. Geopolitical Issues: Mistrust and ongoing conflicts make disarmament a complex challenge.

India’s Position on Nuclear Disarmament

India believes that nuclear weapons in any country threaten global security. The only solution is to eliminate all nuclear arms. Key points include:

  • India is not a signatory to the NPT, viewing it as discriminatory.
  • It asserts its right to maintain a nuclear program for national security.
  • India’s approach to disarmament is multifaceted, balancing security needs with global responsibilities.

Why In News

Almost seventy years ago, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru made a speech that would put India on the global stage of nuclear disarmament, marked by pragmatism, vision, and self-assurance, setting a tone for the country’s future role as a leader in advocating for global peace and security.

MCQs about India and Nuclear Disarmament

  1. What does nuclear disarmament primarily involve?
    A. Increasing the number of nuclear weapons
    B. Eliminating or reducing nuclear weapons
    C. Developing new types of nuclear arms
    D. Stockpiling nuclear weapons for future use
    Correct Answer: B. Eliminating or reducing nuclear weapons
    Explanation: Nuclear disarmament refers to the process of eliminating or reducing the number of nuclear weapons to promote global peace and security.
  2. Which treaty aims to prohibit all activities related to nuclear weapons?
    A. Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)
    B. Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)
    C. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)
    D. Outer Space Treaty
    Correct Answer: C. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)
    Explanation: The TPNW, adopted in 2017, seeks to prohibit the development, testing, production, and use of nuclear weapons, marking a significant step toward disarmament.
  3. What is a key argument in favor of nuclear disarmament?
    A. It strengthens national security.
    B. It promotes economic benefits by redirecting funds.
    C. It enhances strategic stability between rival states.
    D. It provides a deterrent against potential threats.
    Correct Answer: B. It promotes economic benefits by redirecting funds.
    Explanation: One of the arguments for nuclear disarmament is that the substantial funds spent on maintaining and modernizing nuclear arsenals can be redirected to more constructive purposes, such as healthcare and education.
  4. Why does India not support the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)?
    A. India believes nuclear weapons are essential for deterrence.
    B. India considers the NPT discriminatory and unfair.
    C. India has no nuclear weapons of its own.
    D. India wants to develop more nuclear technology.
    Correct Answer: B. India considers the NPT discriminatory and unfair.
    Explanation: India argues that the NPT perpetuates a two-tiered system of nuclear haves and have-nots, unfairly restricting access to peaceful nuclear technology for non-nuclear weapon states.

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