GS PrelimsInternational relationsInternational Treaties2015

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)?

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

Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation

1. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) entered into force in 1970. 2. The NPT recognizes five states as Nuclear-Weapon States (NWS). These are the states that had manufactured and exploded a nuclear weapon or other nuclear explosive device prior to January 1, 1967. 3. These five officially recognized Nuclear-Weapon States are: the United States, Russia (successor to the Soviet Union), the United Kingdom, France, and China. 4. Looking at the options provided: - China (1) is an NPT-recognized NWS. - France (2) is an NPT-recognized NWS. - India (3) possesses nuclear weapons but is not a signatory to the NPT and is not recognized as an NWS under the treaty. - Israel (4) is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons (though it maintains a policy of ambiguity) but is not a signatory to the NPT and is not recognized as an NWS under the treaty. - Pakistan (5) possesses nuclear weapons but is not a signatory to the NPT and is not recognized as an NWS under the treaty. 5. Therefore, among the given countries, only China (1) and France (2) are Nuclear-Weapon States as recognized by the NPT.

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