United Nations, April 21 (IANS) India has welcomed the extension of the mandate of the Committee on proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons for 10 years and has offered its assistance to other states in fulfilling their obligations.
The extension of the timeline until April 25, 2021 under a UN Security Council resolution 1977 has been included to help plan on long-term and predictable basis assistance and cooperation programmes for States requesting such assistance from the Committee.
In a statement on the adoption of the resolution, India Wednesday expressed its unwavering commitment to global efforts for preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and their means of delivery.
India recognizes that proliferation of WMDs and their means of delivery is a major challenge facing the international community, it said.
"As a victim of terrorism for over three decades, we are fully cognisant of the catastrophic dangers that transfers of WMDs to non-state and terrorists could entail," it said noting clandestine proliferation networks have led to insecurity for all and must not be allowed to reappear.
The international community must join hands in eliminating the risks relating to sensitive materials and technologies falling into hands of terrorists and non-state actors, the Indian statement said.
"The focus on non-state actors should in no way diminish state accountability in combating terrorism, dismantling its support infrastructure or its linkages with WMD," it said.
India, the statement noted welcomed US President Barack Obama's initiative in convening a Summit on Nuclear Security in Washington in April 2010.
India also welcomed the adoption of the Summit Communique and the Work Plan which establishes a common platform for all participating states.
Reiterating New Delhi's commitment to achieving the objectives of the resolution, the statement said "India is also prepared to render necessary assistance to states requesting such assistance in fulfilling their obligations under the resolution."
The statement also expressed the hope that the extended deadline will also encourage the Committee to take forward its work in a spirit of transparency and cooperation so that all member states feel that they have a common stake in the successful implementation of UNSC Resolution 1540."