Syllabus:

GS 2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Context: The recent findings published by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a UN nuclear watchdog, in a confidential report highlighted presence of secret nuclear activity in Iran.

Key findings of the report:

• As per the report, Iran has built up 408.6 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60%, which is a 50% increase from the 274.8 kilograms it had in February.
• This level of enrichment is very close to the 90% needed to make nuclear weapons.
• The IAEA has warned that Iran is the only non-nuclear-weapon country producing this kind of material, calling it a “serious concern.”
• The agency stated that around 42 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% is enough to make one atomic bomb if further refined, meaning Iran now has enough material for about 10 nuclear weapons.
• Iran’s foreign ministry and nuclear agency denied the report in a joint statement, calling it “politically motivated.”

About Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

• It is an international agreement, which came in existence in 1968, aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
• The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) defines nuclear-weapon states as those that built and tested a nuclear explosive device before January 1, 1967. 
• These countries are the United States, Russia (formerly the Soviet Union), the United Kingdom, France and China. Under the treaty, all other nations are prohibited from acquiring nuclear weapons.
• India has not signed the treaty by stating it as discriminatory.

About Uranium Isotope U-235

• It is a very rare type of heavy metal and also it is the most common fuel used in nuclear energy because it can be split apart quickly through a process started by humans called induced fission.
• This happens when a U-235 nucleus is hit by neutrons. The nucleus takes in an extra neutron, becomes unstable and breaks into two smaller atoms plus some extra neutrons. 
• This reaction releases enormous amount of heat and energy which is known as atomic energy.

UPSC PYQ

In what ways would the ongoing U.S-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation? (CSE-2018)

Mains Practice question 

India has consistently maintained a strategic stance outside major international nuclear non-proliferation and arms control treaties. Critically analyse the rationale behind India's non-signatory status to these treaties and assess the implications for global nuclear governance. (15M, 250 words)