India calls for a cohesive and collaborative approach towards a safer global future
As nations worldwide convened to mark the "International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons" on September 26, 2023, India emphasized its irreplaceable commitment to universal, non-discriminatory, and verifiable nuclear disarmament, echoing sentiments held during the High-Level Plenary meeting at the United Nations in New York.
 
The backdrop to this significant meeting was a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri), which highlighted concerns over escalating investments in nuclear arsenals, especially by major powers such as China. Although the global nuclear warhead count has seen a reduction, there are fears of a reversal in this trend.
 
Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs Sanjay Verma, in his address to the international community, conveyed India's dedication to a "step-by-step approach for the total elimination of nuclear weapons." Highlighting India's past contributions, he cited the Working Paper submitted to the Conference on Disarmament in 2007. India's stance on being a responsible nuclear weapon State, maintaining a "no-first use" posture and its "non-use against non-nuclear weapon States" principle, was reaffirmed.
 
Earlier, on the sidelines of the UN's 78th General Assembly, the Quad alliance, comprising the United States, Australia, India, and Japan, held crucial discussions about maintaining regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. These deliberations became increasingly pertinent in light of the broader nuclear discussions and India's pronounced stand on disarmament. These discussions underscored the imperative of cohesive diplomatic action, especially as geopolitical tensions continue to rise in various parts of the world.

Within the Indo-Pacific region, challenges like maritime security, cyber threats, and energy resources have necessitated the need for enhanced collaboration. The Quad's emphasis on a rules-based international order seeks to ensure that every nation's sovereignty and territorial rights are upheld. Moreover, as multiple countries grapple with the economic and political reverberations of a post-pandemic era, the Quad's commitment to shared values and visions becomes pivotal in fostering an environment conducive to peace, growth, and mutual respect.
 
The Quad members unveiled various cooperative initiatives, ranging from cybersecurity to climate change, underscoring their commitment to an open, free, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Their conversations extended to pressing global issues such as the Ukraine conflict and the North Korean nuclear pursuits, mirroring the urgency presented in Verma's address.
 
MEA Secretary Verma's statement concluded by highlighting India's active contribution to global disarmament forums, its initiatives such as the "Convention on the Prohibition of the use of Nuclear Weapons,” and the nation's continuous efforts to draw attention to the dangers of nuclear
escalations.
 
Furthermore, he highlighted India's dedication to disarmament education, evident from the Annual Disarmament and International Security Fellowship Programme that India has been hosting since 2019. The emphasis on disarmament education reflects India's broader vision of fostering a new generation of global leaders equipped with the knowledge and commitment to promote peace and security.
 
By hosting the Annual Disarmament and International Security Fellowship Programme, India not only reinforces its position as a responsible nuclear-armed state but also showcases its intent to be at the forefront of creating informed dialogue and consensus on pressing global issues. As nations around the world grapple with the complexities of nuclear diplomacy, initiatives like these play a crucial role in building bridges of understanding, promoting shared values, and guiding collective action towards a safer and more stable international landscape.
 
With the world racing with changing dynamics and emerging challenges, India's stand in New York serves as a poignant reminder of its commitment to global peace, disarmament, and robust international diplomacy.