Statement by India at the Second Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons at Nayarit, Mexico

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Statement by India at the Second Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons at Nayarit, Mexico

February 14, 2014

Given the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of use of nuclear weapons, India has been unwavering in its support for nuclear disarmament and the complete elimination of nuclear weapons. India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, was among the first world leaders to champion the cause of nuclear disarmament. India associates itself the NAM Statement on this subject.
In 1988, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi proposed an Action Plan for a Nuclear-Weapons-Free and Nonviolent World Order to attain the goal of nuclear disarmament in a time-bound, universal, non-discriminatory, phased and verifiable manner. We remain committed to the objective of that Plan and the realization of its vision of ushering in a nuclear weapon free and non-violent world order. While addressing the UN Special Session on Nuclear Disarmament, the catastrophic consequences of the use of nuclear weapons for humanity were foremost in Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s mind. He said and I quote "We cannot accept the logic that a few nations have the right to pursue their security by threatening the survival of mankind. It is not only those who live by the nuclear sword who, by design or default, shall one day perish by it. All humanity will perish.”
We believe that nuclear disarmament can be achieved through a step-by-step process underwritten by a universal commitment and an agreed global and non-discriminatory multilateral framework. We have called for a meaningful dialogue among all states possessing nuclear weapons to build trust and confidence and for reducing the salience of nuclear weapons in international affairs and security doctrines. Steps for the progressive de-legitimization of nuclear weapons are essential to the goal of their complete elimination.
While India subscribes to a policy of credible minimum nuclear deterrent, we have espoused the policy of no first-use and non-use against non-nuclear weapon states, and are prepared to convert these undertakings into multilateral legal arrangements. India also remains committed to maintaining a unilateral and voluntary moratorium on nuclear explosive testing, and to working with the international community to advance our common objectives of non-proliferation, through strong export controls and multilateral export control regimes. India contributed to the High Level Meeting of the UNGA on Nuclear Disarmament held in September 2013. India has also contributed actively to the Nuclear Security Summit process launched by President Obama in 2010.
India supports efforts aimed at building awareness and political will to move in a step-by-step manner towards the goal of nuclear disarmament: from reducing nuclear risks and the role of nuclear weapons in security doctrines, restraints on use leading thereafter to a universal, non-discriminatory Convention on prohibition and elimination of nuclear weapons. In taking this process forward we stress the need for dialogue. India participated in the Oslo Meeting and believes that further discussion on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons should be conducted in an inclusive manner with the participation of all states. In terms of substance, it should do no harm to the non-proliferation regime or the goal of a nuclear weapon free world. In terms of process, it should do no harm to the established disarmament machinery.
Our resolution on Convention on the Prohibition of Use of Nuclear Weapons is only gaining in significance with the passage of time. Its main objective is to seek the negotiation in the CD of a Convention on the Prohibition of Use of Nuclear Weapons, which will be an important step in the progressive delegitimization of nuclear weapons, paving the way for their elimination. We hope delegations gathered here will extend support for negotiation of such a Conventioin. We also would like to invite NGOs and civil society to take another look at this resolution in the context of the current discussions on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons.

Nayarit, Mexico
February 14, 2014

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Ministry of External Affairs

Statement by India at the Second Conference on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons at Nayarit, Mexico