Introduction:

India has not signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) due to several reasons. The CTBT is an international treaty that prohibits all nuclear explosions, whether for military or civilian purposes. India's decision not to sign the CTBT can be attributed to various factors, including its national security concerns and the lack of progress on disarmament by nuclear-weapon states.

National Security Concerns:

India's decision not to sign the CTBT is primarily driven by its national security concerns. As a nuclear-armed state, India views its nuclear weapons as a deterrent against potential threats from its neighbors, particularly Pakistan and China. Signing the CTBT would impose restrictions on India's ability to conduct nuclear tests, which it considers essential for maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent.

Lack of Progress on Disarmament:

Another crucial factor behind India's refusal to sign the CTBT is the perceived lack of progress on disarmament by the nuclear-weapon states. India has long argued that the CTBT should be part of a broader framework that includes genuine disarmament measures by the existing nuclear powers. The failure of these states to fulfill their disarmament commitments undermines India's confidence in the effectiveness of the CTBT in achieving its stated objectives.

Discriminatory Nature of the Treaty:

India has also criticized the CTBT for being discriminatory in nature. The treaty allows for the development and maintenance of nuclear weapons by the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (P5) while prohibiting other states from acquiring such capabilities. India, as a non-signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), perceives this as a double standard and believes that the CTBT reinforces the existing nuclear hierarchy rather than promoting disarmament.

Strategic Autonomy:

Furthermore, India's decision not to sign the CTBT is driven by its desire to maintain strategic autonomy. India has always pursued an independent foreign policy and is wary of international agreements that could limit its freedom of action. By refraining from signing the CTBT, India retains the flexibility to conduct nuclear tests if deemed necessary for its national security interests.

Conclusion:

India's decision not to sign the CTBT can be attributed to its national security concerns, the lack of progress on disarmament by the nuclear-weapon states, the discriminatory nature of the treaty, and its desire to maintain strategic autonomy. These factors have shaped India's stance on the CTBT, highlighting the complex dynamics surrounding nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts at the global level.