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U.S. to pull out of INF Treaty
Why is it in news?
- The U.S is suspending its obligations under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty effective February 2 and will withdraw from the treaty in six months.
More in news
- About INF Treaty:
- The treaty, signed during the Cold War in 1987.
- It bans ground-launched missiles with a range of 500 km-5,500 km.
- It was key to ending the arms race between the (then) two superpowers and helped protect the U.S.’s NATO allies in Europe from Soviet missile attacks.
- Article XV mandate:
- Article XV mandates a six-month notice period before withdrawal.
- The U.S. will formally give Russia and the other treaty parties a formal notice that it is withdrawing under Article XV of the Treaty.
- US’s stand:
- The Trump and Obama administrations have repeatedly alleged that Russia was violating the treaty by fielding a ground-based cruise missile, the Novator 9M729 (“SSC-8” in NATO terminology) that could strike Europe at a short notice.
- USA left open the possibility that the treaty could be rescued in the six-month withdrawal period.
- Russia’s stand:
- Allegations by USA are denied by Russia.
- The Russians have raised counter allegations against the U.S., with regard to launchers for antiballistic missile systems in Europe.
- Opportunity for China:
- The U.S. has also been concerned that China has been gaining a strategic advantage over it as it is not party to the treaty and bound by its terms.
- Withdrawal from the treaty will increase the weapons options for the U.S. in the Pacific, where China has increased its influence.
Source
The Hindu