September 27, 2009 11:06 PM

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International nuclear order cannot be discriminatory: India

India today welcomed the renewed global push for achieving a world free of atomic weapons but underlined that the international nuclear order cannot be discriminatory.<br/>Addressing the 64th session of the United Nations, External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said, New Delhi attaches the highest priority to the goal of nuclear disarmament and has an impeccable non-proliferation record. In the backdrop of pressures on non-NPT signatories to join the pact, he said, States must fulfil the obligations they have undertaken. India is not a signatory to the NPT yet.<br/>However, Mr. Krishna said, India is committed to a voluntary and unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing. He added that India will continue to engage with key countries to garner greater international understanding to achieve nuclear disarmament. Mr. Krishna noted that this is consistent with India's position, to work with others in the Conference on Disarmament towards conclusion of a non-discriminatory, multilaterally negotiated and internationally verifiable Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty , provided it meets India's national security interests.<br/>In his address to the world body, Krishna spoke on India's position on a variety of issues, including reform of the United Nations, regional peace and climate change. Pressing for the reform of the UN, the minister also stressed the need for expanding the Security Council. Reminding the gathering of last year's terrorist attacks on Mumbai, he described the incident as a "barbaric" assault on the innocent people of Mumbai.<br/>On Indo-Pak relations, he said India is committed to resolve all outstanding issues through peaceful dialogue.

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