India Urges UN to Adopt Zero Tolerance Against Terrorism, Citing Illicit Arms Trafficking as a Key Enabler
Ruchira Kamboj, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, called on the UN to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against terrorist groups and their sponsors during the UNSC Open Debate on Small Arms. Kamboj emphasized that the illicit traffic of small arms and light weapons (SALW) and related ammunition serves as a crucial factor in sustaining conflicts by armed and terrorist groups. She urged coordinated efforts by states to limit the acquisition of SALW by such actors and stressed the importance of the UN exercising zero tolerance for terror actors and their sponsors in possession and misuse of these weapons.
India, having faced cross-border terrorism for decades, is acutely aware of the dangers posed by the diversion and illicit transfer of SALW to armed non-state actors and terrorists, noted Kamboj. She highlighted the impact of terrorist groups using smuggled illicit weapons across India’s borders, including through the use of drones. Kamboj emphasized that the increase in the volume and quality of the arsenal acquired by these terrorist organizations underscores their reliance on the sponsorship or support of states.
Addressing the need for international cooperation, Kamboj supported the implementation of the UN Program of Action and the international tracing instrument to control illicit trafficking. She stressed the importance of strengthening mechanisms for information exchange to identify diversion points, trafficking routes, customs control, and cross-border cooperation. India, maintaining strict export controls over munitions, including small arms and light weapons, expressed commitment to working towards strengthening the global non-proliferation architecture, particularly in the area of SALW, as reflected in its participation in the Wassenaar Arrangement.
