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Over 120 countries in the United Nations voted to adopt the first-ever global treaty to ban nuclear weapons  legally binding instrument to prohibit atomic weapons.

Background

In October last year, more than 120 nations had voted on a UN General Assembly resolution to convene a conference to negotiate the legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons, leading towards their total elimination.

Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons

• The first multilateral legally-binding instrument for nuclear disarmament to have been negotiated in 20 years, was adopted by a vote of 122 in favour to one against (Netherlands) and one abstention (Singapore).
• Substantive session was held in March this year to negotiate the legally binding instrument aimed at prohibiting nuclear weapons.
• The treaty will be open for signature to all States at UN Headquarters in September and enter into force 90 days after it has been ratified by at least 50 countries.
• Adoption of the treaty represents an important step and contribution towards the common aspirations of a world without nuclear weapons.
• Treaty prohibits a full range of nuclear-weapon related activities, such as undertaking to develop, test, produce, manufacture, acquire, possess or stockpile nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices, as well as the use or threat of use of these weapons.

India’s Stand

• India  had not participated in the negotiations and abstained from voting on that resolution.
• It was not convinced that the proposed conference could address the longstanding expectation of the international community for a comprehensive instrument on nuclear disarmament.
• India underlining that international verification was essential to the global elimination of nuclear weapons, the current process did not include the verification aspect.

Other nuclear-armed nations

• The United States, Russia, Britain, China, France, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel had not participated in the negotiations.
• Permanent members of the UN Security Council seen the initiative, clearly disregards the realities of the international security environment.
• Ban on nuclear weapons that does not address the security concerns which continue to make nuclear deterrence necessary cannot result in the elimination of a single nuclear weapon and will not enhance any country’s security, nor international peace and security.
• Criticised the treaty for not providing any solution to the threat posed by North Korea’s nuclear programme.

Source : The Hindu

GS II : Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests