---
title: "NPT: Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Explained"
description: "The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) aims to prevent nuclear weapon spread and is crucial for global disarmament efforts."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/treaty-on-non-proliferation-of-nuclear-weapons"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The NPT is a 1968 multilateral treaty that seeks to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, promote disarmament, and guarantee peaceful nuclear energy access.
- Why does India refuse to sign the NPT?
- What are the three pillars of the NPT?
- How does the NPT differ from the TPNW?
- Can a state legally withdraw from the NPT?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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## Timeline

1. 1 July 1968

   The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) opened for signature on and entered into force on 5 March 1970, following negotiations conducte…

2. 5 March 1970

   The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) opened for signature on 1 July 1968 and entered into force on , following negotiations conducted…

3. 12 June 1968

   The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) opened for signature on 1 July 1968 and entered into force on 5 March 1970, following negotiatio…

4. 1 January 1967

   The treaty defines a nuclear-weapon state (NWS) in Article IX(3) as one that manufactured and exploded a nuclear device before , fixing membership of that ca…

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Example

In September 2008 the Nuclear Suppliers Group granted India a country-specific waiver, allowing civil nuclear trade despite India remaining outside the NPT after its 1998 Pokhran-II tests.

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