Statement by Ambassador Anupam Ray, Permanent Representative of India to the Conference on Disarmament during the meetings of 1st Session of Group of Governmental Experts(GGE) on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems(LAWS) in Geneva on 9 March 2022

Mr. Chair,

Since this is the first time that my delegation is taking the floor during this meeting, let me begin by congratulating you on your assuming the chair of this Group of Governmental Experts. Let me assure you of the fullest cooperation of my delegation.

Let me also place on record our appreciation of the skill, good judgement and good humour, that you have so conspicuously demonstrated since the commencement of the proceedings of this meeting. We are obviously in good hands.

India has always engaged constructively in the work of this Group and will continue to do so.

I would like to make the following points at this initial stage:-

1. A substantial amount of progress has taken place in the deliberations of the group. These are captured in the Guiding Principles. We are committed to engaging constructively in furthering the areas of common understanding on the basis of consensus.
2. We will participate actively in further efforts towards collectively discussing options for a normative and operational framework building upon past recommendations.
3. We believe that the CCW is the appropriate forum to discuss LAWS. The challenge to strike a balance between military necessity and humanitarian imperatives, within the framework of International Humanitarian Law, is best dealt with in this forum.
4. India believes that much work remains in narrowing differences between High Contracting Parties on various matters.
5. Much work remains, in particular, in the important areas of definitions and characterisations.
6. India believes that evolving technologies should not be stigmatized. The speed at which relevant technology is evolving and being applied, and the upside of its peaceful uses, was evident during the pandemic.  The deliberations of the Group must take this into account.
7. There are several proposals and options that have been introduced. India will examine the proposals with the greatest attention and will engage constructively with a view to generating consensus.

Thank you, Mr. Chair!