Resumption of Nuclear Weapons Testing
The US’s decision to resume nuclear weapons testing signals a shift in global security dynamics, reviving Cold War–era deterrence and raising concerns about arms races, proliferation, and India’s strategic response.
Nuclear Weapons Testing
In a major global development, the US President has announced the resumption of nuclear weapons testing, marking the first such move since 1992. The decision, seen as a strategic signal, has reignited concerns over a potential return to Cold War–style deterrence politics and the unravelling of decades of global arms control progress.
What is Nuclear Proliferation?
Nuclear proliferation refers to the spread of nuclear weapons, fissile materials, and related technologies to states not officially recognised as Nuclear Weapon States under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), 1968.
The NPT is built on three central pillars:
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Non-proliferation – preventing the spread of nuclear weapons;
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Disarmament – gradual reduction and eventual elimination of nuclear arsenals;
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Peaceful use of nuclear energy – promoting civilian applications under international safeguards.
However, the credibility of the NPT has weakened over time due to selective compliance and non-ratification by key nuclear-capable states such as India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea.
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), 1996, sought to ban all nuclear explosions, including for testing purposes. Yet, its effectiveness remains limited since major powers like the United States and China have not ratified it. Consequently, the global framework meant to prevent nuclear escalation stands fragmented and fragile.
Impact on International Order
1. Erosion of Strategic Stability:
The breakdown of landmark arms control agreements — including the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty (terminated in 2019) and uncertainty surrounding the New START Treaty (2021) — has deepened great-power rivalry. The erosion of the Cold War-era principle of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) undermines deterrence stability and raises the risk of miscalculation between nuclear-armed states.
2. Regional Arms Races:
In South Asia, nuclear dynamics have grown more complex with the India–Pakistan–China triangle. The SIPRI Yearbook 2024 notes that China’s arsenal has grown to nearly 500 warheads, while India maintains around 170, with both expanding delivery capabilities. Pakistan continues to develop tactical nuclear weapons, adding further instability.
3. Threat to Global Peace Frameworks:
The revival of nuclear testing risks weakening global institutions such as the IAEA and UN Security Council, eroding faith in collective disarmament and verification. It also diverts massive resources from sustainable development — the UNDP Human Development Report 2023 records that global military expenditure exceeded $2.4 trillion, led primarily by nuclear powers.
Why is Nuclear Testing Resurfacing Now?
1. Technological and Strategic Competition:
The US’s intent to resume testing for the first time since Operation Julian “Divider” (1992) aligns with its aim to modernise and validate next-generation nuclear weapons. Simultaneously, Russia’s new systems — such as the Poseidon undersea drone and Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile — demonstrate renewed emphasis on qualitative arms races.
2. Collapse of Arms Control Regimes:
The disintegration of long-standing verification mechanisms and the growing mistrust between major powers have led to the erosion of disarmament norms. The lack of mutual inspections and transparency has fostered a climate where renewed testing appears both politically and militarily viable.
3. Emerging Aspirants and Dual-Use Technologies:
Nuclear ambitions persist in states like Iran and North Korea, while emerging dual-use technologies — including Artificial Intelligence, quantum computing, and hypersonic weapons — further complicate non-proliferation efforts. The merging of civilian and military technological domains accelerates nuclear modernisation and increases global insecurity.
Implications for Global Security and India
The US’s decision to resume nuclear testing could trigger a chain reaction, with other powers potentially following suit to maintain deterrence credibility. This would undermine decades of restraint under informal moratoria, spark a renewed arms race, and jeopardise the goal of global disarmament.
For India, the development has twofold implications:
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Strategic: It may pressure India to review its own no-first-use policy and modernisation roadmap.
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Diplomatic: India must reinforce its position as a responsible nuclear power, advocating for arms control and non-proliferation at global forums such as the UN and IAEA.
In essence, the revival of nuclear testing reflects an emerging era of strategic competition over cooperation, threatening the fragile balance that has preserved nuclear peace for decades.
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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH
