New Delhi: Observing that the existing non-proliferation order was "inadequate", India today (Feb 12, 2004) sought "fresh approaches" to meet new challenges as it welcomed US President George Bush's call for collective action to check the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

"We believe that meeting new proliferation challenges requires fresh approaches, pooling together the efforts and resources of the international community," External Affairs Ministry spokesman told reporters.

He said India welcomed multilateral consultations between all partners against proliferation on developing an effective framework.

Reacting to Bush's statement made yesterday (Feb 11), he said it "addresses major proliferation threats, which concern the entire international community".

"We welcome his emphasis on the imperative of collective action to check WMD proliferation. It is clear that the existing non-proliferation order is inadequate. Recent examples have shown that non-proliferation obligations have not always been treated with adequate seriousness."