Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)

Source: The post Treaty on the Prohibition of nuclear weapons (TPNW) has been created, based on the article “Taking stock of global nuclear disarmament” published in “The Hindu” on 26th September is 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- international relations- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

Context: The article discusses the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and how its goal is total nuclear disarmament. It highlights global divisions on nuclear weapons and how the treaty’s success or failure could impact future nuclear policies.

For detailed information on Global Nuclear Order read this article here

What is the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)?

1. The TPNW is a global treaty that came into force in 2021, aimed at completely banning nuclear weapons.
2. It prohibits countries from developing, testing, producing, stockpiling, transferring, using, or threatening to use nuclear weapons.
3. The treaty goes beyond the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which focuses on controlling nuclear weapons spread but does not explicitly ban them.
4. As of July 2024, 70 countries had ratified the TPNW, and 27 others had signed it, showing nearly 50% support from global states on nuclear disarmament.
5. Nuclear powers, such as the U.S., Russia, and China, have not signed the treaty, rejecting its provisions during negotiation.
6. Former NATO officials have urged their countries to join, suggesting nuclear weapons should be banned like chemical and biological weapons.
7. The TPNW aims to reduce nuclear risks by stigmatizing nuclear possession and use.

For detailed information on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) Treaty read this article here

What is India’s stance on the TPNW?

1. India has not signed the TPNW, considering it contrary to its interests.
2. India views the treaty as discriminatory, similar to its stance on the NPT.
3. India supports disarmament but prefers balanced global frameworks.
4. Despite staying out, India has not actively undermined the TPNW.
5. India has benefited from the NPT’s efforts to curb nuclear weapons spread.

What challenges does the TPNW face?

1. Lack of Participation from Nuclear States: Nuclear powers like the U.S., Russia, China, and India have not joined the TPNW. Their absence weakens the treaty’s global impact.
2. Resistance from Allies of Nuclear States: Countries allied with nuclear states, such as NATO members, oppose the treaty, despite some former NATO leaders advocating for joining. As of July 2024, 70 states are parties, and 27 have signed but not ratified.
3. No Enforcement Mechanism: The TPNW lacks a robust system to enforce compliance, making it hard to ensure disarmament.
4. Nuclear Threats: Russia’s threats, North Korea’s tests, and Iran’s enrichment challenge the treaty’s disarmament goals. Global tensions complicate efforts to reduce nuclear risks.

What are the implications of the TPNW’s potential success?

1. Delegitimization of Nuclear Weapons: If successful, the TPNW could render nuclear weapons as illegitimate as chemical and biological weapons.
2. Norm Strengthening: Similar to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, the TPNW could help strengthen the global norm against nuclear use.
3. Support from NATO Leaders: Former NATO leaders, including two ex-Secretaries-General, urged their countries to consider joining the TPNW, showing significant backing.

Question for practice:

Examine the challenges the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) faces in achieving its goal of total nuclear disarmament.