India Emphasizes Human Oversight in Nuclear Decision-Making at UNGA
By Aroonim Bhuyan
New Delhi – India has highlighted the critical importance of maintaining human control over nuclear weapon deployment, voicing concerns regarding the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in defense systems and its implications for global nuclear security.
Call for Universal Nuclear Disarmament Framework
During India’s address under the nuclear weapons agenda at the United Nations General Assembly’s First Committee, Congress MP Manish Tewari advocated for a universal, non-discriminatory, and verifiable nuclear disarmament framework. He underscored the risks associated with the incorporation of emerging technologies into nuclear command, control, and decision-making processes.
The Indian Permanent Mission to the United Nations disseminated key points from Tewari’s statement via social media, reaffirming New Delhi’s dedication to nuclear disarmament and enhancing the international non-proliferation regime.
Humans Must Retain Authority
Tewari emphasized the necessity for human oversight in nuclear decisions, particularly with AI’s rising role. “India acknowledges that the use of Artificial Intelligence in nuclear command and control raises real questions. We espouse the principle that the decision to use nuclear weapons should be taken by humans,” he stated.
Reiterating India’s established nuclear doctrine, he clarified that the country’s strategic capabilities are based on credible minimum deterrence, shaped by regional security dynamics rather than directed at any specific nation.
“As a responsible nuclear weapon state, India maintains a policy of credible minimum deterrence with a no first use posture and a commitment to not use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states,” Tewari added.
Commitment to Nuclear Restraint
India reiterated its unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to nuclear restraint.
Legally Binding Assurances for Non-Nuclear States
Tewari called for legally binding negative security assurances whereby nuclear-armed nations would pledge not to use or threaten nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states. He argued that such assurances would alleviate the security concerns of non-nuclear weapon states and strengthen the global non-proliferation framework.
“Legally binding assurances to non-nuclear weapon states against the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons should alleviate their sense of insecurity and thereby reinforce the non-proliferation regime,” he stated.
Advocacy for Comprehensive Disarmament
Reaffirming India’s long-standing support for total nuclear disarmament, Tewari insisted that the elimination of nuclear weapons should follow a process that is universally applicable, non-discriminatory, and verifiable. He urged a phased approach backed by a multilateral framework, emphasizing that substantial progress necessitates equal commitments from all nations.
“This goal can be achieved through a step-by-step process, backed by a universal commitment to an agreed multilateral framework,” he asserted.
Highlighting Key Resolutions for Nuclear Disarmament
The Indian representative raised attention to two resolutions traditionally introduced at the UNGA First Committee aimed at promoting nuclear disarmament and minimizing nuclear risks. The first, ‘Reducing Nuclear Danger,’ has been tabled annually since 1998, urging measures to de-alert and de-target nuclear weapons to reduce the risk of accidental launches.
The second resolution, the ‘Convention on the Prohibition of the Use of Nuclear Weapons,’ has been presented since 1992, calling for the initiation of negotiations on an international convention prohibiting the use or threat of nuclear weapon deployment.
Clarification on Treaty on Nuclear Weapons
Addressing India’s stance on the existing nuclear disarmament framework, Tewari clarified that the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) does not impose legal obligations on India, yet emphasized that this does not diminish India’s commitment to comprehensive nuclear disarmament and bolstering international non-proliferation efforts.
Concluding India’s intervention, he stressed the need for continued international cooperation to prevent terrorist organizations and non-state actors from acquiring nuclear weapons and technologies. He warned against the catastrophic consequences of these capabilities falling into the wrong hands.
A Call for an Inclusive Approach
India’s statement encompassed its dedication to universal nuclear disarmament and credible minimum deterrence while addressing contemporary concerns regarding AI in military applications. By advocating for human oversight, legally binding security assurances, and measures to mitigate accidental nuclear use risks, New Delhi is pushing for a more comprehensive approach to tackling both enduring and emerging nuclear security challenges.
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