Statement by Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao of India
CD Plenary, 28 June 2011

Mr. President, since this is the first time that my delegation takes the floor under your Presidency, allow me to congratulate you on your assumption of this important responsibility. We assure you of the full cooperation of the Indian delegation in the discharge of your duties.

Mr. President, I have the honour to take the floor today to read into the CD's record, the following message from the Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, to the Global Zero Summit held recently in London from 21-23 June.

Quote:

I have great pleasure in conveying my greetings to the participants of the Global Zero Summit and to extend my support for its noble goal of a world free of nuclear weapons.

India has been steadfast in its support for global, non-discriminatory verifiable nuclear disarmament. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi presented a visionary Action Plan for a Nuclear-Weapon-Free and Non-Violent World Order. This Action Plan sets out a roadmap for achieving nuclear disarmament in a time bound, universal, non-discriminatory, phased and verifiable manner. We are glad to note that the Global Zero Action Plan is based on similar principle and that, like India, it has supported the global elimination of nuclear weapons in a time-bound framework.

The goal of nuclear disarmament can be achieved by a step-by-step process underwritten by a universal commitment and an agreed multilateral framework that is global and non-discriminatory. Progressive steps are needed for the de-legitimization of nuclear weapons. Measures to reduce nuclear dangers arising from accidental or unauthorised use of nuclear weapons, increasing restraints on the use of nuclear weapons and de-alerting of nuclear weapons are essential steps. There is need 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.

This campaign can be taken forward by forging a renewed consensus on non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament. Public awareness and support is vital to generate and sustain an irreversible momentum until we reach our cherished goal of a world without nuclear weapons. Transforming this vision into reality is a task worthy of the distinguished participants of the Global Zero Campaign.

I extend my best wishes for a successful conference.

Unquote:

I thank you, Mr. President.