July 2011

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India renews call for a
nuclear-weapon-free world

Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh renewed India’s call for a nuclear- weaponfree
world with the following message at the Global ZeroSummit held at the Savoy Hotel in London from June 22-23. The international Global Zero movement was launched in 2008 and includes political, military, business, faith and civic leaders, and citizens from around the world who
are working towards eliminating all nuclear weapons worldwide.

Text of Prime Minister
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s message:
“I have great pleasure in conveying my greetings to the participants of the Global Zero Summit and to extend my support for its noble goal of a world free of nuclear weapons.

India has been steadfast in its support for global, non-discriminatory, verifiable nuclear disarmament. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi presented a visionary Action Plan for a Nuclear-Weapon-Free and Non-Violent World Order. This Action Plan sets out a roadmap for achieving nuclear disarmament in a time-bound, universal, non-discriminatory, phased and verifiable manner. We are glad to note that the Global Zero Action Plan is based on similar principles and that, like India, it has supported the global elimination of nuclear weapons in a time-bound framework.

The goal of nuclear disarmament can be achieved through a step-by-step process underwritten by a universal commitment and an agreed multilateral framework that is global and non-discriminatory. Progressive steps are needed for the de-legitimisation of nuclear weapons. Measures to reduce nuclear dangers arising from accidental or unauthorised use of nuclear weapons, increasing restraints on the use of nuclear weapons and de-alerting of nuclear weapons are essential steps.

There is need for a meaningful dialogue among all states possessing nuclear weapons to build trust and confidence and for reducing the salience of nuclear weapons in international affairs and security doctrines.

This campaign can be taken forward by forging a renewed consensus on nonproliferation
and nuclear disarmament. Public awareness and support is vital to generate and sustain an irreversible momentum until we reach our cherished goal of a world without nuclear weapons. Transforming this vision into reality is a task worthy of the distinguished participants of the Global Zero Campaign. I extend my best wishes for a successful conference.”

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External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna
meets Secretary of State William Hague
to deepen ‘Enhanced Partnership’

india’s External Affairs Minister Shri S.M. Krishna met the British Secretary of State Rt. Hon.
William Hague on June 30 in London and discussed ways to further develop a closer and stronger partnership with the United Kingdom.
Secretary Hague extended a warm welcome to Minister Krishna. The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions that covered the gamut of India- U.K. bilateral relations and other matters of mutual interest. Minister Krishna and Secretary Hague also reviewed the progress made in developing the ‘Enhanced Partnership’ since the visit of Prime Minister Cameron to India last year. Secretary Hague renewed the invitation to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to visit the United Kingdom for the next bilateral summit adding that he earnestly looked forward to an early visit.

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