Wednesday, October 5 2005 18:33 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: Warning against the possibility of weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of terrorists, India has called for total elimination of nuclear weapons in a 'progressive and systematic manner' under global and 'non-discriminatory' regime to guard against further proliferation.

Addressing a committee of the General Assembly yesterday (Oct 04, 2005), the Indian delegate to the UN Inder Jit said the non-proliferation framework remains beset with 'crisis' and to address this issue, it is necessary for nuclear weapons states to reaffirm their commitment to nuclear disarmament.

But simultaneously, he also called on all states to implement 'fully and in good faith' the obligations they have accepted. Though Inder Jit did not refer to any country by name, diplomats said the formulation obviously referred to Iran which has accepted obligations under the NPT and is involved in a confrontation with the US and Europeans over its programme to enrich uranium.

He said dealing with growing proliferation concerns in an inclusive manner consistent with the UN Charter and international law would reinforce the commitment to and facilitate achievement of nuclear disarmament.

"We believe that nuclear disarmament and non proliferation are inter-linked and are mutually reinforcing. Only total elimination of nuclear weapons will provide the assurance that there will be no further proliferation," he said.

While pursuing the goal of nuclear disarmament, Inder Jit said, there is a need to take some interim measures to reduce the danger, including 'de-alerting' nuclear weapons.

"There is an urgent need to adjust nuclear doctrines to a posture of no-first-use and non-use against non-nuclear-weapons states. India's nuclear posture is characterized by responsibility, predictability and a defensive orientation," he added.

But, Inder Jit said it is important to ensure that proliferation issues do not hamper cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy with States whose 'non-proliferation records are beyond doubt.'

Stating that India's record on non-proliferation is 'unblemished,' he welcomed the decision of some 'key States' to cooperate with New Delhi in the endeavour to develop nuclear power generation capacity.

"We are engaged in constructive dialogue with the international community for finding ways to facilitate international collaboration in the development of nuclear power," he said.