Wednesday, July 26 2006 10:14 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: India has signed the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism requiring nations to make terrorist acts involving the use of nuclear materials punishable as a serious offence under their domestic law.

This first anti-terrorism convention adopted since the terrorist attacks of Sep 11, 2001 was signed on India's behalf by its ambassador to the UN, Nirupam Sen, at a brief formal ceremony at the UN Headquarters Monday. The Convention also requires states to cooperate in the prevention, investigation and prosecution of these offences through information sharing, extradition and mutual legal assistance.

India considers this convention as an important step forward in multilateral efforts to strengthen the international legal framework against terrorism and sends an undeniably clear signal that the international community will not tolerate those that threaten or commit terrorist acts involving radioactive material or nuclear devices, according to a press release issued by the permanent mission of India to the UN.

India shares the objective of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, which demonstrates the resolve of the international community to deny terrorists access to nuclear materials and enhances international cooperation between states in devising and adopting practical measures for prevention of acts of nuclear terrorism and for the prosecution and punishment of their perpetrators, it said.

The convention, initially proposed by the Russian Federation, was adopted by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) April 13, 2005 by a consensus resolution and was opened for signature at the UN Headquarters from Sep 14, 2005. India is a party to the other 12 international terrorism conventions and protocols and attaches high priority to the formulation of international legal instruments to combat terrorism.