New START Treaty – Explained

What it is:
The New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) is a nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia.

Purpose:
To limit the number of nuclear weapons each country can have and promote transparency between the two biggest nuclear powers.

Signed:
In 2010 (by U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev).

Came into force:
February 2011, for 10 years, extended in 2021 until 2026.

Key Limits under New START:

• 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads each.

• 700 deployed missiles and bombers (land, sea, and air-based).

• 800 total launchers (deployed + non-deployed).

• Includes on-site inspections and data sharing to verify compliance.

Is India a member?
No, India is not a member.