UNSC 1540 Committee - Open Consultations

(May 31, 2022; 1000 hrs EDT)

GENERAL DEBATE: INDIA STATEMENT

Thank you Chairperson. We appreciate your leadership in convening the Committee’s open consultations, which form an integral component of the Comprehensive Review of the status of the implementation of resolution 1540 by the Committee. It is extremely important that the Committee hears the views and comments of the member states, who bear the primary responsibility for the implementation of resolution 1540, as it undertakes the review.

2. Let me begin by reaffirming India’s firm and unwavering commitment to global efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The access to these weapons of mass destruction by terrorists and other non-state actors adds a serious dimension to threats posed by these weapons to international peace and security. Cognizant of this threat, India has been tabling an annual resolution in the General Assembly on “Measures to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction”, which is adopted by consensus.

3. India accords great importance to the implementation of resolution 1540. With our longstanding commitment to global non-proliferation, we have established a strong law-based, national system to implement the provisions of resolution 1540. We have also supported 1540 Committee’s mandate and its work, wherever possible, by offering to share our knowledge and technical expertise in various areas as part of the Committee’s assistance framework. Recognizing the role of the industry, academia and other key stakeholders in facilitating the States’ implementation of resolution 1540, India has been organising outreach events involving these stakeholders at the national level, and in the region. We also support the 1540 Committee’s enhanced cooperation and coordination with international organisations like the IAEA, other relevant UN bodies like UNODA and this Council’s counter-terrorism Committees to prevent non-state actors from acquiring WMDs.

Mr. Chairperson,

4. Resolution 1540 identifies terrorists and terrorist groups as key non-State actors, who may acquire, develop, traffic in or use weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. This threat of terrorists-acquiring-weapons-of-mass-destruction is not in the theoretical realm as further indicated in the recent reports of the UNITAD. Their findings reveal that a terrorist group with considerable territory under its control can develop and deploy these deadly weapons within a short period of time. This is deeply disturbing. Therefore, preventing terrorist groups from acquiring and using weapons of mass destruction must be an urgent priority and responsibility of the international community. In this regard, we encourage member states to focus on this critical threat during the open consultations.

5. India recognizes the progress made in the implementation of resolution 1540. We are moving towards achieving universal national reporting on the implementation of resolution 1540 and updated national matrices indicate that the compliance of various provisions of resolution 1540 have improved since the last comprehensive review. The full implementation of resolution 1540, though a long-term task, will require continuous and constant efforts from member states, especially for prohibiting access or activities by any non-State actor, in particular for terrorist purposes, related to nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of delivery. The Committee has an important role in the effective provision and facilitation of assistance requested by the member states to enhance their implementation. As a member of the 1540 Committee, India would welcome recommendations and suggestions from member states and assistance providers on how the Committee can fulfill its mandate and improve the effectiveness of its assistance, perhaps by enabling sharing of experiences in the regions by utilizing national experiences there.

6. Another key area that needs the focus of the international community is rapid evolution of proliferation risks. New and emerging technologies may increase these risks of WMD access by terrorist groups and other non-State actors. The growing capabilities of terrorist and other non-State groups to access delivery systems like missiles and unmanned/uncrewed aerial systems have compounded the risks of terrorism using WMDs. Similarly, in the COVID-era, the threat of misuse of biological agents and chemicals as weapons, combined with advances in chemistry and biology, has heightened. The open consultations would be a useful forum to deliberate on these issues and how the Committee can assist member states in this area.

7. In conclusion, we look forward to a highly enriching 3-days of open consultations with member states, international organizations and other relevant stakeholders. I thank you.