Non Proliferation treaty

It is a legal instrument which is considered as a cornerstone of  global nuclear non-proliferation of nuclear weapons regime

Features:

• The treaty de-legitimise ‘proliferation’ (production and transfer) of nuclear weapons, fissile materials and related technology by the non-nuclear weapon states (NNWS).

• However, the  five recognised nuclear-weapon states (NWS) — namely the US, Russia, the UK, France and China, can continue to possess nuclear weapons.

Objective of the NPT

• Non-proliferation of nuclear weapons 

• Disarmament and 

• Peaceful uses of nuclear energy. 

Significance:

 The treaty is nearly universally accepted with just four nuclear states opting out of the treaty — India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea, as India says there are structural flaws in the treaty and it favoured few states.