India’s Explanation of Vote (POST VOTING): Other Disarmament Measures Cluster- 77th UNGA First Committee3 November 2022, UNHQ, New York: Delivered by Mr. A Amarnath, Counsellor, PMI NY
India’s Explanation of Vote (POST VOTING)
Other Disarmament Measures Cluster- 77th UNGA First Committee
3 November 2022, UNHQ, New York
Delivered by Mr. A Amarnath, Counsellor, PMI NY
Thank you, Chairperson. I am taking the floor to explain our votes on the draft proposals pertaining to agenda items 107, 94 and 99(gg).
L.56Promoting international cooperation on peaceful uses in the context of international security
On L.56, India supports the important role of international cooperation in science and technology for peaceful purposes, which will facilitate the economic and social development of Member States, particularly developing countries. We also recognize various provisions contained in international treaties and mandatory obligations relating to non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, including to non-State actors, which require regulation of relevant transfers. Countries, including the sponsors themselves, exercise such controls on exports at the national level. There is a need for due recognition of these factors and their respective objectives in a careful manner. Undue tinkering with this balance may be fraught with risks. Therefore, we have abstained on L.56.
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Combined EOV for proposals contained in L.23/Rev.1, L.73 and L.54
India is committed to promoting an open, secure, stable, accessible and peaceful ICT environment. In the past, India had actively participated in the work of the GGEs and the 2018 OEWG.
The current OEWG on security of and in the use of ICTs 2021-2025 provides an inclusive platform for inter-governmental discussions under UN auspices on this important area. India supports the work of the Group, particularly the outcome-oriented approach adopted by the Chair of the Group. We welcome the consensus adoption of the first Annual Progress Report (APR), which has now been endorsed by this Committee. The consensus adoption of the Chair’s draft decision L.54 provides a solid foundation for the work of the Group in the coming year. We also welcome the proposal, contained in the draft decision, to hold of inter-sessional meetings, which, we believe, will provide opportunities for member states to have detailed discussions on concrete and actionable proposals submitted by member states to the OEWG.
The OEWG has achieved significant progress in terms of carrying forward a broader understanding of the six pillars of the group’s mandate, further elaborating, and building a common understanding of the topics that are yet to achieve consensus. We reiterate that the OEWG, during its tenure, should remain the main platform for deliberations on ICT security issues, which are part of its mandate. Hence, India has voted in favour of L.23/Rev.1. Our position on the language contained in PP2 of this document has already been explained and our vote reflects the same. PP4 of the document also moves away from the consensus language, highlighting only additional norms, and ignoring the “acquis” and hence, we are constrained to abstain on it.
On the future mechanism for regular institutional dialogue on ICT security, India supports a permanent, inclusive, transparent, consensus-based and results-oriented process with specific objectives, which will build on the previous outcomes, including that of OEWG 2021-2025. Such a mechanism should also integrate various key aspects of the ICT environment such as raising awareness, building trust and confidence, and encouraging deeper study and discussion on areas where no common understanding has yet emerged. Our vote in favour of L.73 is an indication of India’s readiness to engage in constructive and meaningful discussions towards this end.
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L.18 Women, disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control
On L.18, India has voted in favour of the draft resolution as it fully supports the objectives it seeks to promote.
We were however constrained to abstain on the preambular para which contains a reference to the ATT. We believe that any reference in this resolution to ATT applies only to and amongst States Parties to the Treaty.
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