What is the Non-Proliferation Treaty?

NPT can stand for different things depending on the context, but the most common and widely used meaning is:

🔒 NPT: Non-Proliferation Treaty (of Nuclear Weapons)

1. What is the NPT?

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is an international agreement signed in 1968 and came into force in 1970. It aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote peaceful use of nuclear energy.

2. Main Objectives of the NPT:

Non-Proliferation – Countries agree not to spread nuclear weapons or weapons technology.

Disarmament – Nuclear-armed countries commit to working towards complete disarmament.

Peaceful Use – All countries have the right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes (e.g., electricity, medical use), under international safeguards.

3. Key Facts:

There are 191 member countries, making it one of the most widely accepted arms control agreements.

India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea are not part of or have withdrawn from the treaty.

The treaty is reviewed every 5 years in what’s called the NPT Review Conference.

4. Why is it Important?

It helps prevent nuclear war by limiting the number of countries with nuclear weapons.

Promotes global security and cooperation.

Encourages responsible nuclear energy use.