India Urges ‘Zero Tolerance’ On Terrorism At UN, Drawing On Decades Of Experience

India’s UN representative, Ruchira Kamboj, urged the United Nations to adopt a zero-tolerance stance towards terrorist groups and their sponsors. Speaking at the UNSC Open Debate on Small Arms, Kamboj emphasized the detrimental role of illicit small arms and light weapons in fueling conflicts for armed and terrorist groups.

Highlighting India’s extensive experience combating terrorism, Kamboj stressed the severe consequences of the diversion and illicit transfer of small arms and ammunition, including the recent use of drones in cross-border attacks. She underscored that the increasing volume and quality of weaponry obtained by terrorist organizations serve as a stark reminder of their reliance on state support.

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Calling for coordinated global efforts, Kamboj urged states to limit the acquisition of small arms and light weapons by such actors, emphasizing the necessity for the UN to enforce zero tolerance against terror groups and their sponsors. The diplomat advocated international cooperation to identify points of diversion and trafficking routes, stressing the importance of information exchange, customs controls, and cross-border collaboration to prevent the illicit transfer of weapons.

Kamboj expressed support for reinforcing the implementation of the UN Program of Action and the international tracing instrument at both national and global levels. She highlighted India’s stringent export controls on munitions, including small arms and light weapons, and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to global non-proliferation efforts, as evidenced by its participation in the Wassenaar Arrangement. As the Wassenaar Arrangement’s plenary chair for 2020-2023, India pledged continued efforts to strengthen the global non-proliferation architecture, particularly in the realm of small arms and light weapons.