WMD proliferation concerns in the era of great power competition: an Indian perspective

The contemporary international landscape is marked by an intense great power rivalry, primarily between the USA and its democratic allies on one side, and Russia and China on the other. This geopolitical competition has brought into sharp focus the critical issue of weapons proliferation, particularly in regions that are pivotal to global strategic interests. Among these, the Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a focal point of this great power competition, underscoring the importance of understanding and addressing proliferation concerns in this context. The article discusses the proliferation challenges that have surfaced amidst the changing dynamics. It argues that the recent geopolitical developments, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and China's increasingly belligerent and expansionist behaviour, are key factors driving proliferation concerns in the region. It explores India's non-proliferation efforts and how and why India can play a significant role in global non-proliferation efforts.