Red Fort Blast Prompts India’s UN Push for Strict Arms Control

Following a tragic bombing near Delhi’s Red Fort that claimed nine lives and injured several others, India has intensified its appeal to the United Nations Security Council for a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding the illicit arms trade. Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish articulated India’s strong position, emphasizing the persistent threat of cross-border terrorism, exacerbated by the influx of trafficked weapons and the use of drones. He stressed that terrorist groups are heavily dependent on external patronage for their operations. At the UN Security Council’s Open Debate on Small Arms, India highlighted its extensive experience with terrorism fueled by illicit weapons crossing its borders. Ambassador Harish noted that the sustained operations of terrorists and armed non-state actors are contingent upon external financing, support, and weapon access, with the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons being a significant factor. India called for robust international cooperation to prevent weapon diversion, dismantle trafficking networks, fortify border security, and facilitate intelligence sharing. The consistent and objective implementation of UN arms embargoes was identified as a crucial mechanism to restrict the flow of weapons into conflict zones. The ambassador also pointed to the need for a holistic approach, integrating security measures with developmental interventions, national legislation, and effective data and stockpile management. India’s support for UN frameworks like the PoA and ITI remains steadfast, advocating for improved enforcement, export controls, and global information sharing to combat the misuse of small arms by terrorist entities.