Statement by India during the thematic debate on Other Disarmament Measures and International Security of the First Committee of the UN General Assembly, October 2023, UNHQ, New York
India is pleased to introduce under this Cluster draft resolution ‘‘Role of science and technology in the context of international security and disarmament’, that addresses the felt need of States for enhanced international cooperation in the peaceful uses of science and technology.
The resolution recognizes that scientific and technological developments can have both civilian and military applications and that progress in science and technology for civilian applications needs to be maintained and further encouraged.
The resolution is mindful of the need to regulate the transfer of technologies for peaceful uses, in accordance with relevant international obligations, to address the risk of proliferation by States or non-State actors.
It highlights the importance for Member States to continue efforts to apply developments in science and technology for disarmament-related purposes as well as to engage with experts and relevant stakeholders from industry, academia and civil society to effectively address the challenges involved.
India is grateful to the Secretary General for submitting the updated report A/77/188, as mandated by the 2021 resolution.
We are pleased that this resolution has been adopted by consensus and had the support of almost 40 Member States as sponsors/cosponsors last year.
Mr. Chair,
As a developing country, India supports enhanced international cooperation in and promotion of peaceful uses of science and technology through relevant means, including technology transfer, sharing of information and exchange of equipment and materials.
At the same time India believes that 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 defence requirements of all States and non-proliferation concerns.
Mr. Chair,
Rapid developments in various disciplines including biosciences, material sciences, artificial intelligence and application of data to new and emerging technologies provide significant benefits and may also pose challenges to peace and security.
India recognizes the need for an interdisciplinary 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.
Mr. 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, necessitate a collaborative rules-based approach and work towards ensuring its openness, stability, resilience, trust and security.
In this regard, India supports the action-oriented work of the ongoing Open Ended Working Group on the Security of and in the Use of ICTs 2021-25 chaired by Singapore. We welcome the consensus adoption of the Annual Progress Reports adopted in 2022 and 2023 of the Group, which provides a solid foundation for the work of the Group for the coming years. The OEWG during its tenure, should remain the main platform for all intergovernmental deliberations on ICT issues related to its mandate. And we strongly encourage having a single-track mechanism dedicated to ICT matters under the UN framework till 2025.
Recognizing the disparity in cyber preparedness among Member States to tackle various cyber threats and need to enhance their capabilities, India has proposed the development of a “Global Cyber Security Cooperation Portal”, anchored at the United Nations, as a global platform for capacity building and international cooperation amongst Member States. We look forward to productive discussions and decision on this in the coming year in the OEWG.
Mr. Chair,
Given the relevance and importance of this topic, there is a heightened need for States to work together to address the complex challenges involved.
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.
We would also encourage Member States to co-sponsor this resolution and join us in this collective endeavour to make a meaningful contribution to global peace and security.
