What is the ‘Washington Declaration’?

Washington Declaration between the US and South Korea outlines the cooperation towards nuclear deterrence.

About Washington Declaration:

  • It was signed between the US and South Korea on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of U.S.-South Korea bilateral relations.
  • The declaration outlines the cooperation towards nuclear deterrence.
  • Purpose: Protect the Korean Peninsula from a nuclear attack.
  • According to the declaration,
    • A US nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine (SSBN)would be deployed in the Korean peninsula;
    • A joint Nuclear Consultative Group would be formed to formulate principles of joint response tactics;
    • South Korea would receive intel from the US regarding nuclear advancements;
    • The US will strengthen South Korea’s nuclear deterrence capabilities through joint military training programs and an annual intergovernmental simulation.
  • The declaration reaffirmed the non-proliferation Treaty implying that South Korea would not venture into the creation of its own independent nuclear capabilities and would instead focus on deterrence measures through an alliance-based approach.
  • It also mandates the US President as the only ‘sole authority’ to use the nuclear arsenal of the US in the event of a nuclear confrontation.

 


Q1) What is meant by nuclear deterrence?

Nuclear deterrence is an ideology dating back to the Cold War used to prevent any nuclear aggression and to maintain the status quo.It is used as a tactic and serves as a reminder of the consequences nation states can face if they choose to attack another country or state. It convinces a country not to pursue further action and is premised on the logic that the costs and losses that would incur outweigh the rewards.

Source: Explained | What is the Washington Declaration?

Latest UPSC Exam 2025 Updates

Last updated on July, 2025

UPSC Notification 2025 was released on 22nd January 2025.

UPSC Prelims Result 2025 is out now for the CSE held on 25 May 2025.

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025  are available now.

UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.

→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.

UPSC Mains 2025 will be conducted on 22nd August 2025.

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.

→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.

UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!

UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.

→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi

Vajiram Editor
Vajiram Editor
UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,75,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
Prelims PowerupTest Series
Prelims PowerupTest Series
₹13000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mains Test Series
UPSC Mains Test Series
₹16000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹85000
Enroll Now
Enquire Now