Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
Since independence, pursuit of nuclear disarmament has been an important objective of India's foreign policy. India believes that the existence of nuclear weapons poses a threat to international peace and security. Creating a nuclear weapon free world by eliminating all nuclear weapons through a multilaterally negotiated treaty which is effective and verifiable, will enhance global security and the security of every man, woman and child.
In pursuit of nuclear disarmament, India has taken many initiatives. India was among the first countries to call for a ban on nuclear weapon testing, as early as 1954. Such a ban would have prevented the nuclear arms race which the world has witnessed in recent decades. During this period, the UN General Assembly adopted nearly hundred resolutions on this highlighting the concern of the world community on this issue.
India has always believed that such a treaty should be comprehensive and bring an end to the qualitative development of nuclear weapons. At the same time, a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty should mark the first definitive and irreversible step in the process of nuclear disarmament. Therefore, a CTBT must reflect a commitment to achieving elimination of all nuclear weapons within a time bound framework.
During the negotiations on a CTBT in the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, India participated actively and constructively, putting forward its proposals, in keeping with its long-standing position. It is a matter of regret that the text, as has finally emerged, does not do justice to the negotiating mandate. It is not a comprehensive ban but merely a ban on nuclear explosive testing. It also lacks a definitive commitment to nuclear disarmament.
India remains committed to pursuing global, nuclear disarmament with a view to creating a nuclear weapon free world and a non-violent world order.