Russia proposes to Extend New START Treaty

Russia proposes to Extend New START Treaty

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – International Relations

In news

• The Russian President has proposed to extend the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) by one year. 
• It is a Treaty between the USA and Russia expiring in February 2021.

Key takeaways 

• It is a treaty on measures for the further reduction and limitation of strategic offensive arms.
• It came into force on 5th February, 2011.
• It is a successor to the START framework of 1991 (at the end of the Cold War) that limited both sides to 1,600 strategic delivery vehicles and 6,000 warheads.
• It continues the process of verifiably reducing the USA and Russian strategic nuclear arsenals by limiting both sides to 700 strategic launchers and 1,550 warheads.
• It will expire in February 2021 unless extended for five more years.