Chair,

India is pleased to table under this Cluster a draft resolution i.e. ‘‘Role of science and technology in the context of international security and disarmament’, that addresses the need for enhanced international cooperation in the peaceful uses of science & technology.

The resolution recognizes that scientific and technological developments can have both civilian & military applications; and that progress in science and technology for civilian applications needs to be maintained and further encouraged. It underlines the need to regulate the transfer of technologies, in accordance with relevant international obligations, to address the risk of proliferation by States or non-State actors. It also highlights the importance to engage with experts and relevant stakeholders from industry, academia and civil society to effectively address the challenges involved. 

India welcomes the report by the Secretary General i.e. A/79/224, which was mandated by the resolution last year. The resolution was adopted by consensus last year and had the support of almost 40 Member States as sponsors and co-sponsors last year.

We are pleased to note that the resolution and the SG’s report have been instrumental in facilitating deliberations on Emerging Technologies in the UNDC.

Chair,

As a developing country, India supports enhanced international cooperation and promotion of peaceful uses of science and technology through relevant means, inter-alia through technology transfer, sharing of information and exchange of equipment and materials.

At the same time, it is imperative that international transfers of dual-use goods and technologies and high technology with military applications are effectively regulated, keeping in mind legitimate defense requirements of all States and proliferation concerns.

Chair,

Rapid developments in various disciplines including biosciences, material sciences, AI and application of data to new and emerging technologies provide significant benefits and may also pose challenges to global peace and security. 

India recognizes the need for an inter-disciplinary approach to understand their implications as well as to formulate appropriate responses to mitigate their adverse impact. 

India supports and actively participates in discussions relating to emerging technologies in various multilateral fora of the United Nations and specialized agencies, and within the framework of international treaties to which India is a party to.

Chair,

India is committed to promoting an open, secure, stable, accessible, and peaceful ICT environment. Malicious use of cyberspace by terrorists and for criminal purposes and the inter-connected nature of ICT domain, necessitates a collaborative approach for ensuring its openness, stability, resilience, trust and security. 

In this regard, India notes the work of the ongoing OEWG on the Security of and in the Use of ICTs. We acknowledge the consensus adoption of the Annual Progress Reports by the Group. The OEWG during its tenure, should remain the main platform for intergovernmental deliberations on ICT issues, and we note the value of having a single-track mechanism dedicated to ICT matters under the UN framework.

Recognizing the disparity in cyber preparedness, India has proposed the development of a “Global Cyber Security Cooperation Portal”, anchored at the UN, as a global platform for capacity building and international cooperation. We look forward to productive discussions and an appropriate decision on the initiative in the coming year in the OEWG.

Chair,

India seeks the continued support of all Member States towards the adoption of its resolution on the ‘Role of science and technology in the context of international security and disarmament’ by consensus this year. Given that the resolution is adopted by consensus every year, we encourage Member States to consider co-sponsoring the resolution.