India
Statement in CD Plenary — 17 February 2011

I would like to begin by welcoming the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Belgium to the CD. We look forward to working with him and his delegation.

Mr. President, I thank the PR of Australia for presenting an oral report on the deliberations at the side event on FMCT held jointly by them with Japan as a national initiative this week. India participated in the side event as we have done in similar side events in the past.

We have noted that the sponsors have stated that the discussions at the side event are neither negotiations nor pre-negotiations. They are without prejudice to substantive positions of delegations. The objective of the exercise is solely to promote understanding of issues and to build confidence and momentum toward FMCT negotiations in the CD on the basis of the Shannon Mandate.

As stated in my remarks at the CD Plenary of 3 February, we attach importance to the CD as the single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum and its Rules of Procedure. We expect the CD to negotiate instruments of universal application. We support efforts for reaching consensus on a Programme of Work for commencement inter alia of FMCT negotiations. Given the CD's vocation, it is essential that all relevant countries participate in the negotiations and contribute to their successful outcome.

Mr. President, it is obvious that discussions in the CD or in side events outside the CD cannot be a substitute for formal FMCT negotiations in a subsidiary body in the CD in accordance with its rules of procedure.

Before I conclude let me take this opportunity to thank you for your efforts as CD President and assure the incoming President, my friend, Ambassador Pedro Oyarce of Chile of our full cooperation.