Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)

Definition

A multilateral treaty that bans all nuclear explosions, for both civilian and military purposes, in all environments, intended to curb the development and qualitative improvement of nuclear weapons.

Key points

• It was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1996; it has been signed by a large majority of countries but has not yet entered into force.
• It has not entered into force because certain specified "Annex 2" States (those with nuclear technology at the time) have not all signed and ratified it; India is one of the States that has not signed.
• India did not sign the CTBT, arguing that it is discriminatory and does not commit nuclear-weapon States to time-bound disarmament; India conducted its Pokhran-II tests in 1998.
• The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), based in Vienna, operates an International Monitoring System to detect nuclear explosions even though the treaty is not yet in force.
• India maintains a voluntary, unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing despite not signing the treaty.

Why it matters for CAPF

Nuclear non-proliferation and India's stance are recurring international-relations themes; the CTBT's 1996 adoption, its non-entry into force, and India's non-signature are commonly tested.

Common confusion

The CTBT bans nuclear test explosions; do not confuse it with the NPT, which restricts the spread of nuclear weapons. India has signed neither. The CTBT has been adopted but is not yet in force, which is a frequent distractor.

Related concepts

concept nuclear non proliferation treaty, concept missile technology control regime, concept nuclear suppliers group, concept wassenaar arrangement

Parent note

indias space and missile programme