75th Session of the UNGA

First Committee

Explanation of Vote of India

on Draft Resolutions under “Disarmament Machinery” Cluster

10 November 2020

L.48 on 2021 Session of the Disarmament Commission

India accords  high importance to the UN Disarmament Commission, as part of the triad of the disarmament machinery and as a universal deliberative forum for disarmament issues. Therefore, the functioning of the UNDC in an effective, efficient, objective and inclusive manner is of paramount importance to my delegation.  The inability of the UNDC to hold its substantive sessions for two successive years, in 2019 and 2020, are certainly an opportunity lost for deliberations among Member States on crucial issues of disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control.  

It is regrettable that the issues pertaining to denial of visas to delegates of some Member States have not yet been resolved for the second year in a row. India believes firmly that actions that prevent a country from participating in UN meetings are very serious as it affects the country’s contribution to and participation at the UN. The effectiveness of the UN Disarmament machinery is dependent on full and effective participation of all countries, which is severely handicapped by the lack of grant of visas to delegates of some Member States.  We sincerely hope that a solution will be found soon.  At the same time, it is incumbent on all Member States to ensure the continued effective functioning of the UN disarmament machinery including the UNDC, especially at a time when it is already under strain.  

In view of the importance of unhindered functioning of UNDC, India has voted in favour of the resolution for its provisions calling for timely convening of the UNDC and making substantive progress on the issues on its agenda.

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