The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) has invited India to become an Observer. The organisation has also shown its willingness to allow India to access International Monitoring System data. According to the organization, this will help India in making an informed decision on ratifying a much-debated nuclear disarmament treaty.

 

Lassina Zerbo, the executive secretary of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), said, "I am not asking India to ratify the treaty. But it can become an Observer, allowing India to attend our meeting, see how CTBTO works, and take the time needed to make the decision." While addressing a group of Indian journalists at CTBT headquarters in Vienna, Austria on May 10. Mr. Zerbo said that he understands India's apprehensions, and would try his best to win the country's trust by addressing them.

 

 

 

 

He added, "Being an observer would give India access to data from the International Monitoring System's 337 facilities located in 89 countries that monitor the planet for signs of nuclear explosions. This system can detect even small nuclear explosions using seismology, hydroacoustics, infrasound and radionuclide technologies. Nowhere can you get this quality of data necessary for earthquake monitoring. The IMS also helps warn of tsunamis and volcanic ash, and identifies plane crash sites".

 

 

 

 

 

CTBT is a global treaty that aims to ban all nuclear explosions across the world. In 1996, it was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and opened for signature. Between 1945 and 1996, over 2,000 nuclear tests were carried out all over the world. Ten nuclear tests have been conducted ever since the CTBT opened for signature in 1996. Although 184 countries have signed the treaty so far, it is yet to come into force because eight countries with nuclear capabilities - including India - are yet to sign and ratify it.

 

 

 

 

 

India had earlier alleged that CTBT is discriminatory and favours five nuclear nations namely the United States, United Kingdom, China, France, and Russia whenever it has to fulfill its obligations vis-a-vis elimination of nuclear weapons. India wanted that CTBT must come out with the plan to eliminate nuclear weapons in a time-bound manner because there are technological differences between the 'have' and 'have not' countries. India was apprehensive that those already possessing nuclear weapons upgrading their arsenals through sub-critical and laboratory simulated testing.