The Hindu: Published on 1st November 2025.
Why in News?
U.S. President Donald Trump issued a surprise order directing the resumption of nuclear weapons testing, a move that has alarmed the international community and revived fears of a new nuclear arms race.
The announcement, made just before a summit with China’s Xi Jinping in South Korea, marks a potential shift in long-standing U.S. nuclear policy.
Background:
The United States has not conducted an actual nuclear test explosion since 1992, maintaining a de facto moratorium in line with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) signed in 1996.
The CTBT bans all nuclear test explosions for both military and civilian purposes, though it has yet to enter into full legal force globally.
Despite this, nations like Russia and China continue to conduct military drills and simulations involving nuclear-capable systems.
Trump’s order follows Russia’s announcement that it had tested nuclear-capable, nuclear-powered cruise missiles and sea drones, raising concerns about strategic parity.
Key Issues:
Ambiguity of Trump’s Directive:
It remains unclear whether Trump’s order refers to testing nuclear weapons systems (non-explosive) or conducting actual nuclear explosions.
Violation of International Norms:
Conducting live nuclear tests would breach the CTBT’s principles and undermine the long-standing global moratorium.
Diplomatic Fallout:
The directive came during a high-level diplomatic phase, just before the U.S.–China summit, potentially escalating U.S.–China tensions.
Global Criticism:
Nations including Iran, Japan, and organizations like the United Nations have strongly condemned the move.
Iran termed it “regressive and irresponsible.”
Japan’s Nihon Hidankyo, representing atomic bomb survivors, called it “utterly unacceptable.”
The UN Secretary-General reiterated that “nuclear testing can never be permitted.”
Domestic Justification:
U.S. Defense officials like Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and Vice-President J.D. Vance defended the decision as necessary to ensure the reliability of America’s nuclear deterrent.
International Reactions:
China: Urged the U.S. to “earnestly abide by” the global testing ban.
Iran: Criticized U.S. hypocrisy for resuming nuclear tests while opposing Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.
Japan: Protested formally via its survivors’ group, emphasizing global peace efforts.
United Nations: Warned against any nuclear testing under any circumstances.
Strategic and Security Implications:
Renewed Arms Race:
The move could trigger reciprocal testing by Russia, China, and possibly North Korea, reigniting Cold War–era nuclear rivalries.
Undermining Global Treaties:
The credibility of non-proliferation treaties like CTBT and NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) could weaken.
Regional Instability:
Asian powers, particularly China, North Korea, and India, may review or accelerate their own deterrence postures.
Environmental and Humanitarian Risks:
Actual nuclear explosions would pose severe radiation and ecological hazards.
Expert Opinions:
Security Analysts: Warn that resuming nuclear tests risks destabilizing deterrence frameworks and emboldening rival states.
Peace Advocates: Say this decision contradicts Trump’s self-image as a “peace president” and undermines decades of disarmament progress.
Military Strategists: Argue that limited technical tests (without explosions) may be justifiable for weapon reliability verification, but not full-scale detonations.
Conclusion:
- Trump’s order to resume nuclear testing marks a significant departure from global disarmament efforts, reviving memories of Cold War–style brinkmanship.
- If implemented as full-scale tests, it could fracture international trust, violate treaty commitments, and rekindle a dangerous nuclear arms race.
- The world’s response underscores a broad consensus — nuclear testing has no place in the modern era of diplomacy and peacebuilding.
