7 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

International RelationsPolity & GovernanceNEWS

US calls for new nuclear arms talks with Russia, China

US seeks new nuclear weapons treaty involving Russia and China.

The United States has urged Russia and China to engage in three-way talks to establish new limits on nuclear weapons. This call comes after the New START treaty between the US and Russia, which restricted the deployment of nuclear warheads, expired. Thomas DiNanno, the US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control, criticized the New START treaty for its flaws and lack of transparency regarding China's nuclear arsenal.

While the US proposed extending the treaty, Russia and China have resisted. China argues its nuclear capabilities are far below those of the US and Russia, while Russia suggests including other nuclear-armed states in any new talks.

Key Facts

The United States has urged Russia and China to engage in three-way talks to establish new limits on nuclear weapons.

The New START treaty between the US and Russia, which restricted the deployment of nuclear warheads, expired.

Thomas DiNanno, the US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control, criticized the New START treaty for its flaws and lack of transparency regarding China's nuclear arsenal.

The US proposed extending the treaty, but Russia and China have resisted.

China's entire nuclear arsenal has no limits, no transparency, and no declarations, according to the US.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 2: International Relations - Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests.

Connects to the syllabus by addressing nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, a key aspect of international security.

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical questions on the challenges of nuclear arms control.

Visual Insights

Key Players in Nuclear Arms Control Talks

This map highlights the countries involved in the proposed nuclear arms control talks: the US, Russia, and China. It shows their locations and relative nuclear capabilities.

Loading interactive map...

📍United States📍Russia📍China

More Information

Background

The concept of nuclear arms control has its roots in the Cold War era, with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) being a cornerstone. Signed in 1968, the NPT aimed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament. However, the treaty has faced challenges, including the development of nuclear arsenals by countries outside the treaty framework. Bilateral agreements between the United States and Russia, such as the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) and the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), played a crucial role in limiting nuclear weapons during the Cold War. These treaties established ceilings on the number of nuclear warheads and delivery systems. The evolution of these agreements reflects the changing geopolitical landscape and the ongoing efforts to manage nuclear risks. The current international legal framework governing nuclear weapons is complex and fragmented. While the NPT remains the primary treaty, other agreements, such as the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), aim to further restrict nuclear activities. However, the CTBT has not entered into force due to the lack of ratification by some key countries.

Latest Developments

Recent years have witnessed a growing concern over the erosion of the existing nuclear arms control architecture. The expiration of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019, due to alleged violations by Russia, has raised fears of a new arms race. This treaty banned ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges of 500 to 5,500 kilometers. The rise of China as a major military power has further complicated the nuclear arms control landscape. China's expanding nuclear arsenal and its reluctance to engage in arms control talks have prompted calls for a new trilateral framework involving the United States, Russia, and China. The US has repeatedly urged China to participate in meaningful discussions on nuclear arms control. Looking ahead, the future of nuclear arms control remains uncertain. The potential for technological advancements, such as hypersonic weapons and artificial intelligence, to further destabilize the nuclear balance is a growing concern. Efforts to revive arms control talks and adapt the existing framework to address new challenges will be crucial in maintaining strategic stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the US calling for new nuclear arms talks with Russia and China?

The US is urging new talks because the New START treaty with Russia, which limited nuclear warheads, has expired. The US also wants China to be included in any new agreement due to concerns about China's growing nuclear arsenal and lack of transparency.

2. What was the New START treaty, and why is it important for UPSC aspirants to know about it?

The New START treaty, signed in 2010, limited the US and Russia to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads each. It's important for UPSC aspirants because it represents a key agreement in nuclear arms control, a topic relevant to international relations and strategic stability.

3. What are the key arguments made by China and Russia against participating in three-way nuclear arms talks?

China argues that its nuclear capabilities are far below those of the US and Russia, so it shouldn't be held to the same standards. Russia suggests including other nuclear-armed states in any new talks, implying that the US shouldn't only focus on Russia and China.

4. How does the expiration of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019 relate to the current situation?

The expiration of the INF Treaty, which banned certain missiles, has raised fears of a new arms race. This context makes the US push for new arms control talks with Russia and China even more urgent, as the existing framework is weakening.

5. What are the pros and cons of including China in nuclear arms control talks?

Including China could lead to greater transparency and limits on its growing nuclear arsenal. However, China's resistance and different strategic priorities could complicate negotiations and make reaching an agreement more difficult.

6. Who is Thomas DiNanno, and what role did he play in this issue?

Thomas DiNanno is the US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control. He criticized the New START treaty and China's lack of transparency regarding its nuclear arsenal, advocating for new three-way talks.

7. What is the historical background of nuclear arms control?

The concept of nuclear arms control dates back to the Cold War era, with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) being a key agreement. The NPT aimed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament.

8. What are the key facts about the US proposal for new nuclear arms talks for UPSC Prelims?

The US has called for three-way talks with Russia and China to establish new limits on nuclear weapons. The US criticizes China's lack of transparency and the flaws of the expired New START treaty. Russia and China have resisted the US proposal.

9. How might the failure to reach a new nuclear arms control agreement impact common citizens?

A failure to reach an agreement could lead to a renewed arms race, increasing global instability and the risk of nuclear conflict. This could result in increased military spending, diverting resources from social programs and economic development.

10. What is 'Nuclear Deterrence' and how does it relate to the US call for new talks?

Nuclear deterrence is the idea that possessing nuclear weapons discourages other countries from attacking you. The US call for new talks aims to maintain strategic stability and prevent a situation where nuclear deterrence breaks down due to unchecked arms buildup.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the New START treaty? 1. It restricted the deployment of nuclear warheads between the US and China. 2. The US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control criticized the treaty for its flaws and lack of transparency regarding China's nuclear arsenal. 3. Russia has agreed to engage in new three-way talks with the US and China to establish new limits on nuclear weapons.

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.2 and 3 only

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The New START treaty restricted the deployment of nuclear warheads between the US and Russia, not China. Statement 2 is CORRECT: Thomas DiNanno, the US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control, criticized the New START treaty for its flaws and lack of transparency regarding China's nuclear arsenal. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: Russia has resisted engaging in new three-way talks with the US and China. Russia suggests including other nuclear-armed states in any new talks.

2. Consider the following statements regarding the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT): 1. The treaty was signed in 1968. 2. The NPT aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament. 3. All countries with nuclear capabilities are signatories to the NPT.

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) was signed in 1968. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The NPT aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: Not all countries with nuclear capabilities are signatories to the NPT. Some countries, like India, Pakistan, and Israel, have not signed the treaty.

3. Which of the following countries has resisted engaging in new three-way talks with the US to establish new limits on nuclear weapons, according to the news summary?

A.China
B.Russia
C.France
D.United Kingdom

Show Answer

Answer: B

According to the news summary, Russia has resisted engaging in new three-way talks with the US to establish new limits on nuclear weapons. China argues its nuclear capabilities are far below those of the US and Russia.