PM warns of dangers of non-state actors acquiring N-explosives

Ajay Kaul
Washington, Apr 13 (PTI) With Pakistan obviously on his
mind, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday warned of the
dangers posed by nuclear explosives falling into the hands of
non-state actors posing danger to India and other countries.
Addressing the Nuclear Security Summit here, he pitched
for "zero tolerance" against individuals and groups which
engage in illegal trafficking of atomic explosives and
announced India's decision to set up a 'Global Centre for
Nuclear Energy Partnership'.
"Nuclear security is one of the foremost challenges we
face today," Singh told the conference of 47 countries which
discussed ways to ensure that nuclear material and technology
do not fall into the hands of terrorists.
Commending US President Barack Obama for his initiative
in convening the Summit, he said India would like the Summit
to lead to concrete outcomes which help make our world a safer
place.
"The danger of nuclear explosives or fissile material and
technical know-how falling in to the hands of non-state actors
continues to haunt our world," Singh said, adding India is
deeply concerned about the danger it faces, as do other
States, from this threat.
He regretted that the global non-proliferation regime has
failed to prevent nuclear proliferation as clandestine
proliferation networks have flourished and led to insecurity
for all, including and especially for India.
"We must learn from past mistakes and institute effective
measures to prevent their recurrence," Singh said.
He underlined that the world community should join hands
to eliminate the risk of sensitive and valuable materials and
technologies falling into hands of terrorists and illicit
traffickers.
"There should be zero tolerance for individuals and
groups which engage in illegal trafficking in nuclear items,"
he emphasised.
Singh said the primary responsibility for ensuring
nuclear security rests at the national level. "But national
responsibility must be accompanied by responsible behaviour by
States. If not, it remains an empty slogan," he said, adding
"all States should scrupulously abide by their international
obligations."
He said that the dangers of nuclear terrorism make the
early elimination of atomic weapons "a matter of even greater
urgency".
Global non-proliferation, to be successful, should be
universal, comprehensive and non-discriminatory and linked to
the goal of complete nuclear disarmament. (More) PTI