The debate over nuclear sharing and horizontal proliferation took centre stage at the 2026 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference. Several countries, including Nigeria and South Africa, raised concerns over nuclear sharing, extended deterrence, and growing risks of nuclear proliferation.
New Zealand warned that any move by non-nuclear states toward acquiring nuclear weapons would be “profoundly dangerous” and undermine the treaty’s objectives.
South Africa and others, including the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Uruguay, said expanding nuclear alliances and sharing arrangements pose serious risks to global security. WhileMexico rejected the idea of “friendly proliferation,” saying it contradicts the NPT’s spirit and rules.
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) said any form of nuclear sharing or transfer among states parties violates non-proliferation obligations under Articles I and II of the treaty. It called for an end to all nuclear sharing arrangements under any security conditions.
NAM members, including China, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka, also stressed that nuclear sharing is incompatible with the NPT.
Cameroon proposed new measures, including a mandatory consultation system requiring advance notification of new nuclear deployments or sharing arrangements, as well as a “voluntary nuclear sanctuary” status for states that commit not to host nuclear weapons in exchange for security assurances.
Cameroon proposed new measures, including advance consultation on nuclear deployments and a voluntary “nuclear sanctuary” status for states rejecting hosting nuclear weapons in exchange for security assurances.
Finland defended NATO’s nuclear deterrence policy, saying it helps prevent proliferation, a view supported by Italy, Lithuania, Belgium, and the United States, which said its arrangements comply fully with the NPT.
