What is CTBT?
(CTBT – Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty) The main purpose of CTBT is to put an end to nuclear explosions which seek to test weapons technology. Signatories to the treaty cannot conduct any nuclear explosions. Two key features of CTBT stand out. One is that the treaty bans only explosions, allowing sub-critical (non-explosive) weapons tests as well as detailed computer simulations which make explosions unnecessary. (Weapons states like the U.S. do possess such capabilities.) The second feature is that the treaty comes into force only if and when all countries having nuclear capabilities sign the treaty. In particular, this has meant that unless India and Pakistan sign CTBT, the treaty will not come into force at all.
