India's Explanation of Vote - Nuclear Cluster - 4 November 2022, UNHQ New York - Delivered by Ambassador Anupam Ray, Permanent Representative of India to the Conference on Disarmament, Geneva
India’s Explanation of Vote- Nuclear Cluster
4 November 2022, UNHQ New York
Delivered by Ambassador Anupam Ray, Permanent Representative of India to the Conference on Disarmament
L.47: Treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices
Without prejudice to the priority we attach to nuclear disarmament, India has expressed its readiness to support the immediate commencement of negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) in the Conference on Disarmament on the basis of the CD/1299 and the mandate contained therein.
In this context, India has also participated in the work of the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on FMCT and the High-level Expert Preparatory Group (HLEPG) on FMCT established pursuant to the UNGA resolutions 67/53 and 71/259.
Our support for FMCT negotiations in the CD is consistent with India’s interest in strengthening the global non-proliferation regime that would add a measure of strategic predictability and a baseline for future global nuclear disarmament efforts.
India, has therefore welcomed and voted in favor of the Resolution L.47 which shares the same objective of immediate commencement of negotiations on an FMCT in the CD on the basis of the document CD/1299 and the mandate contained therein.
On OP2, India does not object to member States engaging in discussions in any forum to facilitate negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament of an FMCT. However, India would like to reiterate its position that the only appropriate and formal forum for negotiations of an FMCT is the Conference on Disarmament.
On OP3, and to a moratorium, India believes that a moratorium on the production of fissile materials for nuclear weapons or nuclear explosive devices, cannot be a substitute for an FMCT.
With due respect to those whocall for such a moratorium, we would like to remind them, that such a moratorium by its very nature is voluntary, reversible, and not verifiable, unlike an FMCT which will impose a treaty obligation, and will be verifiable and irreversible.
A moratorium will only weaken the resolve to negotiate an FMCT and set us back. India, therefore, does not support the call for a moratorium.
Finally, as to the references to NPT, India is not a State Party to the Treaty, and therefore this particular reference is not applicable to India and may be kept in perspective by the Member States.
