United Nations, New York – India has addressed the United Nations Security Council, highlighting its long-standing struggle with cross-border terrorism fueled by illicit arms trafficking. India's representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, asserted that the Security Council must adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards those who enable, sponsor, or finance the use and movement of such weapons.
Ambassador Harish made these remarks during the UN Security Council Open Debate on Small Arms on Monday. He stated that the diversion and illicit transfer of small arms and ammunition to armed non-state actors and terrorist groups continue to pose a significant threat to international peace and security. He directly referenced the fact that India has suffered immensely from terrorism originating beyond its borders, facilitated by the illegal movement of weapons across those borders. He also noted the increasing use of drones in such activities.
"India has fought the scourge of terrorism for several decades and is therefore aware of the dangers posed by the diversion and illicit transfer of small arms and ammunition to armed non-State actors and terrorist groups," Harish stated. He emphasized the need for the council to focus on arms and weapons being trafficked to terrorists and terror groups.
Harish's address to the UN Security Council occurred hours after a high-intensity explosion in New Delhi, near the Red Fort, resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. The explosion, which involved a car at a traffic signal, claimed the lives of at least nine people. While investigations are underway, the incident has heightened concerns about security and potential terrorist activity within India.
While Ambassador Harish did not explicitly name Pakistan, the statement was a clear reference to the country, which India has long accused of supporting cross-border terrorism. India has consistently maintained that terrorist groups operating within its borders receive support, including weapons and training, from elements within Pakistan.
The Indian envoy highlighted the increasing volume and sophistication of weapons acquired by terrorist organizations. He argued that these groups cannot sustain themselves without external enablement, financing, or support, stressing the need for unequivocal condemnation of state sponsorship of such entities.
Several other nations and representatives echoed similar concerns during the Security Council debate. Sierra Leone's Foreign Minister, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, who presided over the meeting, called for consistently enforced arms embargoes to prevent the proliferation of small weapons. He noted the vast number of small arms in circulation globally and emphasized the imperative to prevent terrorists from acquiring them.
