Progressive steps needed to de-legitimise N-weapons: PM

New Delhi (PTI) - Pitching for "progressive
steps" to de-legitimise nuclear weapons, Indian Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said a meaningful dialogue was
needed among countries having atomic weapons to build trust
and reduce the dangers of their accidental or unauthorised
use.
In his message to the 'Global Zero Summit' in London
being held from Wednesday, he said the goal of nuclear
disarmament can be achieved by a step-by-step process
underwritten by a universal commitment and an agreed
multilateral framework that is global and non-discriminatory.
"Progressive steps are needed for the
de-legitimization of nuclear weapons. Measures to reduce
nuclear dangers arising from accidental or unauthorized use of
nuclear weapons, increasing restraints on the use of nuclear
weapons and de-alerting of nuclear weapons are essential
steps," he said.
"There is need for a meaningful dialogue among all
states possessing nuclear weapons to build trust and
confidence and for reducing the salience of nuclear weapons in
international affairs and security doctrines," Singh said.
Extending his best wishes for the success of the
conference, he said "this campaign can be taken forward by
forging a renewed consensus on non-proliferation and nuclear
disarmament."
He said public awareness and support was vital to
generate and sustain "an irreversible momentum until we reach
our cherished goal of a world without nuclear weapons.
Transforming this vision into reality is a task worthy" of the
participants of the Global Zero Campaign.
The Prime Minister noted that India has been steadfast
in its support for global, non-discriminatory, verifiable
nuclear disarmament.
Recalling Rajiv Gandhi's visionary Action Plan for a
Nuclear-Weapon-Free and Non-Violent World Order, Singh
said, "This Action Plan sets out a roadmap for achieving
nuclear disarmament in a time-bound, universal,
non-discriminatory, phased and verifiable manner."
"We are glad to note that the Global Zero Action Plan
is based on similar principle and that, like India, it has
supported the global elimination of nuclear weapons in a
time-bound framework," he said.
"I have great pleasure in conveying my greetings to
the participants of the Global Zero Summit and to extend my
support for its noble goal of a world free of nuclear
weapons," the Prime Minister said.