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Mains Daily Question
Jan. 30, 2024

Q2. Discuss the evolution of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), the challenges it faces, and analyze India's stance on CTBT.(10M, 150W)

Model Answer

Approach:

The question revolves around discussing the evolution of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), analyzing the challenges it faces, and examining India's stance on the CTBT. The answer can be structured as follows:

Introduction:

Type-1: Start by setting the context with a reference to significant events or developments related to nuclear disarmament or non-proliferation, such as recent international summits or diplomatic engagements.

Body:

Heading-1: Evolution of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)

Heading-2: Challenges Faced by the CTBT

Heading-3: India's Stance on the CTBT

Conclusion: Conclude by offering insights into the way forward for addressing the challenges facing the CTBT and fostering global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. Emphasize the need for constructive dialogue, confidence-building measures, and enhanced cooperation among states to advance the objectives of the CTBT and strengthen the global nuclear security architecture

Answer: The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) stands as a landmark international agreement in the realm of nuclear disarmament. Conceived against the backdrop of the devastating consequences witnessed during World War II, particularly the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the CTBT represents a collective effort by the global community to curb the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Evolution of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT):

  1. Background and Initial Arms Race:
    • In the 1940s, the USA and the Soviet Union conducted the first successful nuclear weapons tests, triggering a prolonged arms race.
    • Over 2,000 nuclear tests were conducted between 1945 and 1996, leading to global concerns about the environmental and health impacts.
  2. Limited Test-Ban Treaties:
    • In the 1960s, the Limited Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (LTBT) prohibited atmospheric, outer space, and underwater nuclear testing, but allowed underground tests.
    • The Threshold Test Ban Treaty (TTBT) in the 1970s set limits on nuclear testing yields.
  3. Cold War Dynamics:
    • Cold War politics hindered efforts for a comprehensive ban on nuclear testing.
  4. CTBT Negotiations:
    • Breakthrough in the 1990s after the Cold War ended.
    • CTBT negotiations began in 1994, aiming to prohibit all nuclear weapons tests and explosions.
  5. CTBT Adoption:
    • Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1996.
    • Aims to ban nuclear explosions for both civilian and military purposes in all environments.

Challenges Faced:

 

  • Controversies and Contentious Negotiations:

 

  • Challenges marred the CTBT negotiations, with nations like France and China expressing reservations and emphasizing the need for validation through continued testing.
  • Debates on low-threshold testing and concerns about the impact on nuclear deterrence complicated the process.
  1. Entry-into-Force Dilemmas:
    • The CTBT faced hurdles in its entry-into-force provisions (Article 14), leading to disagreements.
    • Out of the 44 Annex 2 states, only 36 ratified the treaty, preventing it from becoming legally binding.

India's Stand on CTBT:

 

  • Historical Engagement:

 

  • India's historical engagement with nuclear disarmament includes the Standstill agreement in 1954, suspending nuclear testing, and support for the LTBT in 1963 under the leadership of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
  1. Contemporary Position and Concerns:
    • However, India did not lend support to the CTBT in 1996, expressing concerns about its security implications.
    • India's objections revolve around perceived discrimination, the absence of a time-bound disarmament schedule for nuclear weapon states, and the limited coverage of the treaty.
  2. Observer Status in CTBTO:
    • Despite not ratifying the CTBT, India assumed the role of an "Observer" in the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) in 2016, reflecting a nuanced approach towards global non-proliferation efforts.

Recent Developments and Global Implications:

 

  • Russia's Potential Revocation:

 

  • Recent developments, notably Russia's contemplation of revoking its CTBT ratification, inject a new dimension of uncertainty.
  • The prospect of Russia's withdrawal raises concerns about potential repercussions, influencing other nations and instigating a renewed nuclear arms race.
  1. Global Ramifications:
    • The global implications of such a move extend beyond Russia, posing a threat to the broader non-proliferation architecture.
    • The risk of other nations reconsidering their commitments could heighten geopolitical tensions, exemplified by potential nuclear escalation or "Nuclear Blackmail," as witnessed in regions like Ukraine.

Thus, the evolution of the CTBT reflects the multifaceted nature of global efforts towards nuclear disarmament. Despite persistent challenges and recent uncertainties, the international community's commitment to a world free of nuclear explosions remains pivotal.

Subjects : Polity
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