Disarmament and Non-Proliferation

Disarmament refers to the global reduction or elimination of military capabilities and strategic weapons, while non-proliferation focuses on preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems to additional states or non-state actors.

Under International Relations

• It shapes India's strategic posture and national security policy, particularly in balancing bilateral nuclear deterrence with regional stability.
• India occupies a unique diplomatic position by rejecting treaties deemed discriminatory, such as the Non-Proliferation Treaty, while voluntarily committing to a responsible nuclear doctrine and global non-proliferation standards.
• Understanding these concepts is vital for evaluating India's entry into multilateral export control regimes and its access to dual-use technologies for civil nuclear energy.

UPSC typically frames questions around the conflict between discriminatory global non-proliferation architectures and India's insistence on universal, non-discriminatory disarmament. Candidates are often asked to evaluate India's nuclear doctrine, its engagements with export control regimes, and the impact of evolving regional security dynamics on its strategic autonomy. Essays and answers require balancing India's commitment to peace with its imperative for credible minimum deterrence.

• Bilateral, regional, global groupings and agreements: impact on India GS2