Tuesday, May 10 2005 13:58 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: An over-arching legislation to prohibit unlawful activities in relation to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), their means of delivery and related dual-use materials, equipment and technologies was introduced in Lok Sabha today (May 10, 2005) by Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

It said that India remains committed to prevent non-State actors and terrorists from acquiring WMDs and their means of delivery.

The Weapons of Mass Destruction and their delivery systems (prohibition of unlawful activities) Bill, 2005, piloted by Mukherjee on behalf of External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh said that it would provide an integrated legislative basis to India's commitment to prevent proliferation of WMDs.

In addition, the envisaged control over the export of WMD-usable materials, equipment and technologies would also fulfil India's mandatory obligations under UN Security Council resolution adopted in April last year (2004).