New START Treaty
Source: Hindustan Times
GS II: International Relation

What is discussed under New START Treaty?

1. What is new START Treaty?
2. Why Russia suspended the inspection?

Why in News?

Recently, Russia suspended the United States of America’s on-site inspections under New START Treaty with Washington due to Western sanctions and coronavirus infections.

What is New START Treaty?

• • The new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) was the last remaining arms reduction pact between the former Cold War rivals and caps to 1,550 the number of nuclear warheads that can be deployed by Russia and the United States of America.

    

  • It is a treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms.
  • It limits the number of nuclear warheads, missiles, and bombers deployed.
  • It was signed in 2010 by then-US President Barack Obama and then-President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev.
  • It became effective on February 5, 2011.
  • The United States and the Russian Federation had seven years to meet the treaty’s central limits on strategic offensive arms (by February 5, 2018) and are then obligated to maintain those limits for as long as the treaty remains in force.
  • By restricting each side to 700 strategic launchers and 1,550 operable warheads, it carries on the bipartisan process of verifiably lowering the strategic nuclear arsenals of the United States and Russia.
  • Its original term was for 10 years, or until 2021; however, it was extended by another five years, or until 2026.

Why Russia Suspended the Inspection?

• • Due to Western sanctions, such as the closing of airspace for Russian aircraft and visa restrictions, it is challenging for Russia to conduct inspections on American soil.
  • Additionally, it indicated a recent rise in coronavirus incidence in the US.

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