Consider the following countries:

1. China
2. France
3. India
4. Israel
5. Pakistan

Which among the above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly known as Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
3. 2, 4 and 5 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Explanation

China and France are correct

• The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty formally recognizes five Nuclear Weapon States (NWS), defined as those countries that had developed and tested nuclear weapons before 1 January 1967. These states also coincide with the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. The recognized NWS are the United States, Russia (formerly the Soviet Union), the United Kingdom, France, and China.
• Although India, Israel, and Pakistan possess nuclear weapons, they are not recognised as NWS under the treaty framework and are regarded as de facto nuclear-armed states outside the NPT.

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only; Difficulty Level: Easy