Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, or NPT, is an international treaty signed on July 1, 1968, by the United Kingdom, the United States, the Soviet Union, and 59 other countries. The treaty aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, promote nuclear disarmament, and facilitate international cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

The precursor to the NPT can be traced to United Nations General Assembly resolutions in 1959 and 1961 aimed at preventing nuclear weapons proliferation. In 1965, the United States and the Soviet Union began secret negotiations, leading to the treaty being opened for signature on July 1, 1968, in London, Moscow, and Washington. It entered into force on March 5, 1970.

The treaty requires nuclear-armed states to take measures to reduce the number and types of nuclear weapons, promoting global nuclear disarmament and encouraging international cooperation and technical exchange in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

As of 2025, the treaty has 191 member states, including most countries. Nations that have not signed the treaty include India, Pakistan, South Sudan, and Israel.