India signs the International Convention
for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings, 1997

New York
September 17, 1999

The Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations H E. Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma today signed on behalf of the Government of India the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings, 1997.

The Convention which was adopted by resolution 52/164 of the General Assembly on 15 December 1997, requires States to either prosecute or extradite those accused of terrorist bombings within their territory

Under the convention the offence of 'terrorists bombing' is committed when a person unlawfully and intentionally delivers, places, discharges or detonates a bomb, explosive, lethal or incendiary device into or against a place of public use, a state or Government facility a public transportation system or an infrastructure facility with the intent to cause death or serious bodily injury or the destruction of such a place resulting in major economic loss. Participation as an accomplice, organising of directing others to commit the offence or contributing to the commission of the offence in any other manner is also an offence.

States are required to establish their jurisdiction over terrorist bombings committed in their territories, on ships flying their flag or on board aircraft registered under their laws and to make the offences punishable as serious offences under their law. They may also establish their jurisdiction when the offence is committed against their nationals or facilities abroad including their Embassies or other Diplomatic or Consular premises or when the offence is committed in an attempt to compel that State to do or abstain from doing any act. The Convention also provides for the obligation of States Parties to cooperate to prevent actions prohibited under the Convention as well as matters relating to detention, extradition or prosecution.

India has also decided to ratify the Convention and will soon deposit its instrument of ratification with the Secretary General. The Convention which has so far been signed by 47 States including India, and ratified by 6 States, will enter into force after it has been ratified by 22 States.