Russia’s withdrew from Open Skies Treaty

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared about  Russia’s withdrawal from Open Skies Treaty .

 United States withdrew from pact in 2020.The USA has blamed Russia for restricting US flyovers in neighbour Georgia and its military enclave in Kaliningrad (Russia).

What is Open skies Treaty?

Concept of mutual aerial observation was first proposed at Geneva Conference in 1955 by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

 However, Soviets rejected this concept.

This treaty  entered into force in January 2002.

It has 34 participants currently.

The treaty promotes openness and transparency of military forces.

Open Skies Treaty  allows nations to collect information on one another’s military forces to increase transparency.

Treaty on Open Skies is a program of unarmed aerial surveillance flights over entire territory of participating countries.

It is designed to enhance mutual understanding and confidence as it provides the participants, a direct role in gathering information about military forces.

 More than 1500 flights have taken place under this agreement.

Why surveillance is needed?

Countries were allowed to openly conduct surveys on each other to prevent misunderstandings and limit escalation of tensions if any.

Is India a member of Open Sky Treaty?

India is not a part of the treaty.