Statement by India during the thematic debate on Conventional Weapons of the First Committee of the UN General Assembly, October 2023
Mr. Chairperson,
In an increasingly turbulent global security environment, India reaffirms its collective commitment to disarmament and arms control instruments, including on Conventional Weapons.
India is fully committed to the humanitarian principles enshrined in the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons and is a party to all its five protocols. We strongly believe that the universalization of the Convention is critical for its full and effective implementation.
Mr. Chairperson,
The Amended Protocol-II strikes a balance between humanitarian concerns arising from landmines and the legitimate defence requirements, particularly of states with long borders.
India has fulfilled obligations under the Amended Protocol-II, inter-alia, related to the non- production of non-detectable mines as well as rendering all anti-personnel mines detectable.
The Amended Protocol-II also serves as an appropriate framework for addressing the issue of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which are as we know, often deployed by non-state actors including terrorists and illegal armed groups. In this regard, India welcomes the adoption of the declaration on IEDs at the Sixth Review Conference of the CCW.
Having fought the menace of the use of IEDs by armed non-State actors, India accords high priority to IED threat mitigation and victim assistance.
India is a leading contributor to UN peacekeeping operations and has extended assistance to international de-mining and rehabilitation efforts.
Mr. Chairperson,
As an original signatory to Protocol V, India is deeply aware of the grave humanitarian concerns caused by the explosive remnants of war and is fully committed to cooperation and assistance towards its full implementation. Our ratification of the Convention on Right of Persons with Disabilities underscores the importance we attach to victim assistance
“India for Humanity” initiative, launched as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi, has organized limb fitment camps with over 6500 artificial limbs fitted in the last few years in various countries. The prosthetic limb, popularly known as Jaipur Foot, has gained recognition worldwide for its efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness.
India highlights the need for efforts by all member States in the area of sharing new technologies which can be deployed for removal or deactivation of Explosive Remnants of War.
Mr. Chairperson,
India believes that issues with regard to Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) must be discussed within the framework of the CCW, which provides a platform to review and meaningfully respond to evolving new technologies applicable to armed conflict in the 21st century. We believe that there is a need to develop a shared understanding of the fundamental concepts, including definitions and characterizations on LAWS.
Mr. Chairperson,
India welcomes the consensus outcome document at the BMS-8 on the UNProgram of Action on SALW that recognized the adverse effects of illicit arms trade in exacerbating terrorism.
We are pleased that the GGE on UNROCA, chaired by India, adopted a consensus report last year. The Group recommended the adoption of a description for small arms and light weapons to be reported upon under 7 plus 1 formula and reflected on the advancement in technologies to ensure that the 7 categories of the Register continue to capture all relevant conventional weapons. In addition, the Group reached consensus on recommending the adjustment of the scope of Category V including rotary wing unmanned combat vehicles.
We invite all UN Member States to participate in reporting their international transfers of conventional arms to the Register, which is a valuable voluntary transparency and confidence-building mechanism. We are pleased to note that the Register has achieved the highest number of reporting this year since 2012.
Mr. Chairperson,
India has contributed actively in the discussions of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) on conventional ammunition. We are pleased to note that group was able to adopt its report, without a vote, on a Global Framework on safe, secure, and sustainable through-life conventional ammunition management.
India is happy to join the Technical Review Board (TRB) on IATG and have actively contributed to efforts towards its further refinement.
Mr. Chairperson,
As a member of Wassenaar Arrangement, and as its Plenary Chair for the year 2023, India remains committed to work towards further strengthening global non-proliferation architecture in the area of conventional weapons and related dual-use goods and technologies.
India looks forward to working with all Member States to address risks posed by conventional weapons.
