Consider the following countries : 1. China 2. France 3. India 4.

Consider the following countries :

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 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 and 2 only” option2=”1, 3, 4 and 5 only” option3=”2, 4 and 5 only” option4=”1, 2, 3, 4 and 5″ correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2015

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The correct option is A (1 and 2 only). Among the given countries, only China and France are recognized as Nuclear Weapons States (NWS) by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

– The NPT defines a Nuclear-Weapon State as one which has manufactured and exploded a nuclear weapon or other nuclear explosive device prior to January 1, 1967.
– The five states recognized by the NPT as NWS are the United States, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, France, and China. These are also the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
– India, Israel, and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons but are not signatories to the NPT as NWS. They are often referred to as de facto or non-NPT nuclear weapons states.

The NPT aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament. India, Pakistan, and Israel have not signed the NPT. North Korea signed but later withdrew from the treaty.

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