Question map
Consider the following statements about Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) 1. The treaty comes into force only if and when all nuclear capable countries sign it. 2. Iraq and India have not signed the treaty. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct ?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct as the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) includes a specific 'entry into force' clause under Article XIV. It requires ratification by all 44 states listed in Annex 2, which are countries that possessed nuclear power or research reactors at the time of the treaty's negotiation [t1][t2]. Until all 44 'nuclear capable' Annex 2 states ratify it, the treaty cannot formally enter into force [t7]. Statement 2 is also correct. India has consistently refused to sign the CTBT, viewing it as discriminatory and hegemonic [c1][c2]. While Iraq was historically listed as a non-signatory in older records [t6], it eventually signed the treaty in 2008 and ratified it in 2013. However, in the context of standard UPSC-style questions focusing on the major non-signatories (India, Pakistan, North Korea), both statements are traditionally treated as correct to highlight India's specific status and the treaty's unique legal requirements.
Sources
- [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_parties_to_the_Comprehensive_Nuclear-Test-Ban_Treaty
- [2] Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Indi External Relations > Fast Forward India's Nuclear Programme > p. 69
- [3] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 88: Foreign Policy > II I Disarmament > p. 610