Why did India oppose the international treaties aimed at nuclear non-proliferation?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Since they are selectively applicable to the non-nuclear powers and are discriminatory in nature.
India argued that treaties like the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) of 1968 created a permanent distinction between nuclear weapons states and non-nuclear weapons states. The treaty allowed the five major nuclear powers (the US, Russia, Britain, France, and China) to keep their weapons, while it prohibited other countries from acquiring them. India viewed this as unfair and a violation of the principle of equal security for all nations. Instead of universal disarmament, the NPT seemed to legitimize the nuclear monopoly of a few.