Nuclear Disarmament in Focus as India Reaffirms Commitment at UN

India on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to the goal of a nuclear weapons-free world and the complete elimination of nuclear weapons, calling for universal, non-discriminatory and verifiable nuclear disarmament.

Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Sibi George delivered India's statement at a High-Level Plenary Meeting at the United Nations headquarters in New York to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.

The MEA said India remains committed to achieving a world free of nuclear weapons through “universal, non-discriminatory and verifiable nuclear disarmament”.

The statement came as India continued to outline its positions on key global issues during the ongoing UN General Assembly session.

On Monday, George reaffirmed India's commitment to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance at a High-Level Meeting marking the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA).

According to the MEA, India emphasised the importance of promoting equality and dignity for all and called for concrete, nationally led and internationally coordinated efforts towards the full and effective implementation of the DDPA.

Last week, George also participated in a high-level side event on reparatory justice at the UNGA.

The event, titled “From Commitments to Action on Reparatory Justice”, was co-hosted by Ghana, Germany and France. The MEA said George highlighted the need for stronger international cooperation to facilitate the return and restitution of cultural properties and heritage to their countries and communities of origin.

India's interventions during the UNGA have covered nuclear disarmament, racial discrimination, reparatory justice and the protection and restitution of cultural heritage.