IGNOUMATIC

India has long been an advocate of global disarmament, particularly the nuclear disarmament agenda, as part of its broader foreign policy. Its stance on disarmament is shaped by a commitment to international peace, security, and justice. India’s approach is often rooted in principles of non-violence, multilateral diplomacy, and responsible statecraft. While India itself is a nuclear-armed state, its disarmament policy seeks to balance its security concerns with its desire for a world free from weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons.

Key Aspects of India’s Contribution to Disarmament:

1. Support for Global Nuclear Disarmament:
   India has consistently advocated for the total elimination of nuclear weapons and has been a strong proponent of multilateral disarmament forums like the United Nations. India’s position on disarmament is reflected in its support for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), even though it has not yet signed the treaty, largely due to its security concerns and the treaty’s lack of progress on the nuclear disarmament front. India has also consistently called for a time-bound framework for the elimination of nuclear weapons, with a special emphasis on the non-proliferation of nuclear arms.
2. India’s Pioneering Role in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM):
   India was one of the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), a forum of countries that advocated for peaceful coexistence and the elimination of military alliances during the Cold War. NAM has consistently promoted nuclear disarmament and global security. India’s leadership in NAM has involved a commitment to a nuclear-free world, arguing that the continued possession and development of nuclear weapons by any nation contribute to global insecurity.
3. The Indian Perspective on Nuclear Deterrence:
   While India is committed to the long-term goal of global disarmament, it adopted a policy of nuclear deterrence after conducting its first nuclear test in 1974 (“Smiling Buddha”) and its subsequent tests in 1998. India’s nuclear doctrine is premised on a credible minimum deterrence strategy. This means that India does not seek to expand its nuclear arsenal for offensive purposes but retains the capability to ensure national security through deterrence. Importantly, India’s No First Use (NFU) policy asserts that India will not use nuclear weapons first, emphasizing restraint and responsibility in the nuclear domain.
4. India’s Support for a Nuclear Weapon-Free World:
   India has proposed several initiatives for global nuclear disarmament over the years. One of the most significant proposals came from India’s Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1988, where he called for the establishment of a nuclear weapons-free world through a step-by-step process. India’s continued support for a universal commitment to nuclear disarmament emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and adherence to multilateral agreements that support the goal of a world without nuclear weapons.
5. India’s Commitment to Biological and Chemical Weapons Conventions:
   Beyond nuclear disarmament, India is also a strong supporter of biological and chemical disarmament. India has been a signatory to both the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). India has adhered to these conventions, ensuring the elimination of biological and chemical weapons and has cooperated in the monitoring and verification processes as part of these international frameworks.
6. Contribution to the United Nations Disarmament Efforts:
   India actively participates in the United Nations Disarmament Commission (UNDC) and other related forums, advocating for progress on disarmament issues. India has consistently called for reforms in the United Nations Security Council to give a stronger voice to countries from the Global South in decisions regarding global security and disarmament. India’s diplomatic efforts at the UN have focused on promoting the idea that disarmament is essential for global peace and security, and it has stressed the importance of international cooperation to address the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction.
7. India’s Role in the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT):
   India has long called for the universalization of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and has participated actively in discussions related to it. Despite not being a signatory, India has emphasized the need for a legally binding global commitment to halt nuclear tests, arguing that this is an essential step toward eventual nuclear disarmament. India’s support for the CTBT reflects its desire to promote global stability and contribute to the international effort to limit the development of nuclear weapons.
8. India’s Civil Nuclear Cooperation:
   While India has pursued nuclear disarmament, it has also taken practical steps to ensure the peaceful use of nuclear energy. India has been an advocate for the peaceful use of nuclear technology, both domestically and internationally, in accordance with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines. The Civil Nuclear Agreement with the United States in 2008, and subsequent agreements with other countries, have enabled India to access civil nuclear technology to meet its energy needs. India’s civilian nuclear program, however, has been carefully monitored to ensure that it is distinct from its defense capabilities.
9. The Indian Call for a Nuclear Weapons Convention:
   India has been vocal in calling for the adoption of a Nuclear Weapons Convention (NWC), which would be a legally binding international treaty that would provide for the phased elimination of nuclear weapons worldwide. This proposal reflects India’s commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons, where security is ensured through non-violent means and diplomatic solutions.

Conclusion:
India’s approach to disarmament is marked by a long-standing commitment to peaceful coexistence, multilateralism, and global security. While it continues to maintain a credible nuclear deterrent for its national security, India is dedicated to working towards a nuclear-free world and contributing to the elimination of weapons of mass destruction. Through its participation in global disarmament forums, its nuclear doctrine of No First Use, and its advocacy for a nuclear weapons convention, India plays a vital role in the international disarmament movement.