Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

We have seen reports regarding the observations made by US Secretary of State Warren Christopher during Congressional hearings, on the CTBT negotiations, including on India's position. As hon’ble members are aware, India has followed a reasonable and positive approach in the CTBT negotiations.  The CTBT was an Indian initiative and we are still supportive of a CTBT - that is truly comprehensive and firmly placed within the framework of a nuclear disarmament process.  It is incorrect to say, as some have tried to improve that we have been holding back progress in the negotiations.  On the contrary, we have flagged our concerns but to our disappointment, these have not been adequately addressed in the Conference on Disarmament (CD).  The reports from Geneva indicate that compromises are being considered to accommodate concerns of other delegations, particularly China.  This shows that the Ramaker Text is open to modifications.  We continue to hope that our concerns, as also those of other countries, will be addressed in order to arrive at a genuine consensus.  We remain engaged in the consultations underway in Geneva. 

In my statement on 31 July, I informed hon'ble members that India cannot sign this treaty in its present form.  Further, we cannot permit any formulation in the draft treaty text that will impose an obligation on India.  If there are attempts to push forward such a text, we will have to oppose such efforts.  This remains our firm position. 

We have seen press reports that some delegations are exploring ways to bypass the CD and bring the treaty text to the UN General Assembly in New York.  These are procedural devices.  While we will make our opposition to the treaty known in all fora, I hope that hon'ble members will agree that it may not be possible, nor may it be helpful to state details of the line that we will follow, as the situation develops. 

It is understood by many countries that the approach being adopted in the draft treaty text is unprecedented in treaty negotiating practice.  Yet, they are reluctant to bring in changes because of the rigid positions adopted by a small number of countries. 

I had, in my statement, referred to my useful meeting with a number of foreign ministers in Jakarta.  As you know, I had also met Secretary of State Warren Christopher.  I must say that it was a pleasant and friendly meeting.  While discussing a broad range of issues, we also discussed the CTBT, on which we agreed to disagree.  The secretary of state and myself took a broad view of India-US relations which are positive and serve the interests of both our countries.  In this positive spirit, both of us agreed that differences on a single issue should not impact on what is otherwise a fruitful and mutually advantageous bilateral relationship.