UNSC briefing on Ukraine 

[Military biological activities in Ukraine/implementation of the BWC]

[Thursday, 27 October 2022; 1500 hrs EDT/0030 hrs IST]

INDIA STATEMENT

Thank you, Mr. President, 

At the outset, I thank the Chair of the Formal Consultative Meeting of the States Parties to the BWC Dr. György Molnár for his briefing. We have noted carefully the points made by Dr. Molnar. 

2.    India attaches high importance to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC) as a key global and non-discriminatory disarmament Convention. The Convention also includes binding obligations on States parties to never acquire or retain biological agents that have no justification for peaceful purposes and bans assistance to anyone to acquire or develop them. It is important to ensure full and effective implementation of the BWC in letter and spirit.

3.    We also believe that any matter relating to obligations under the BWC should be addressed as per the provisions of the Convention and through consultations and cooperation between the parties concerned.

4.    India would like to underline the important role of international cooperation in the field of peaceful biological activities and related exchange of scientific and technical information as provided in Article X of the BWC. India believes that the full and effective implementation of Article X of the Convention is important to generate equitable benefits for States Parties, in particular developing countries.

5.    India participated in the Article V Consultations on the matter last month. The current situation reflects the need to negotiate a comprehensive legally binding Protocol, providing for an effective, universal and non-discriminatory verification mechanism to strengthen the implementation of the BWC by States Parties.  This is necessary to strengthen the BWC and its implementation.

6.    We remain deeply concerned at the worsening situation in Ukraine. We have been consistent in calling for cessation of hostilities and pursuing the path of diplomacy and dialogue to address the situation. The very fact that we are discussing this issue in the Council is reflective of precarious predicament in which the world finds itself today. 

7.    India’s position on the conflict in Ukraine has been consistent since beginning of hostilities.  Escalation of hostilities and violence is in no one’s interest. We have urged both sides to return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue.

8.    We have expressed our support for all diplomatic efforts to end the conflict. We, therefore, sincerely hope for an early resumption of peace talks to bring about an immediate ceasefire, and early resolution to the conflict. We reiterate that the global order is anchored on respect for principles of the UN Charter, international law and sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.

I thank you Mr. President.

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