NPT represents the only binding commitment in a multilateral treaty with the goal of disarmament by the Nuclear-Weapon States (NWS) and promotion of peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

About NPT

• Background: Enforced in 1970. 
• Membership: 191 States. 
  • India has not signed owing to discrimination of states into “nuclear haves” and “nuclear have-nots.”

Major Provisions of the Treaty

• Key Principles: Non-Proliferation (Parties to the Treaty should refrain from acquiring or transferring nuclear-weapons); Disarmament;Access to Peaceful Nuclear Technology. 
• Role of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): Compliance with the Treaty is verified through inspections conducted by IAEA. 
  • IAEA was created in 1957 under the United Nations to promote safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
• Review of the operation of the Treaty: Every five years. 

Significance of NPT in the present times

• Rising Nuclear Threats: In the form of small arms, evolving technologies like artificial intelligence, etc.
• Strengthening of Nuclear arsenals: As per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), most nations have expanded their nuclear arsenals. 
• Weakening Nuclear Diplomacy: E.g., Russia withdrew its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).