Why in News?
- Russia has announced its formal withdrawal from the Intermediate‑Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, citing security concerns over Western missile deployments.
- The move escalates tensions and raises fears of a new arms race.
Background
- The INF Treaty was signed on 8 December 1987 between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Reagan–Gorbachev era.
- It was the first arms‑control agreement to eliminate an entire class of nuclear and conventional ground‑launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 km and 5,500 km.
- Both nuclear and conventional variants were banned, and the treaty applied to missiles deployed globally, not just in Europe.
- Verification mechanisms, including on‑site inspections, built mutual trust and transparency.
Importance of the Treaty
- Removed a major category of missiles that had threatened Europe and parts of Asia during the Cold War.
- Set a precedent for subsequent arms‑control agreements by introducing rigorous verification measures.
- Led to the destruction of almost 2,700 missiles, with the majority belonging to the Soviet Union.
Implications of Russia’s Withdrawal
- Arms race risk: Without constraints, both Russia and NATO countries may develop new intermediate‑range systems, increasing the likelihood of miscalculation.
- Erosion of trust: The collapse of the INF Treaty further weakens the global arms‑control architecture. Only the New START Treaty remains, and it is set to expire in 2026.
- Strategic instability: Deployments of intermediate‑range missiles in Europe or Asia could spark regional crises and strain diplomatic relations.
Conclusion
The end of the INF Treaty removes a cornerstone of nuclear arms control. To prevent an uncontrolled arms race, major powers must renew efforts toward new agreements and rebuild confidence‑building measures.