India and the Arms Trade Treaty

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Introduction

‘Some families here have lots of small, small, children. If there is another attack, which child should I carry? Or should I just flee myself?’

(Karbi mother, north-east India, living in fear of attack by militants with foreign-made weapons, 2006)

The international arms trade is out of control. A thousand people die every day because of armed violence, and many more are seriously injured. Many of the victims are women and children. In India alone, 12 people die from armed violence every day.

This paper sets out why the Indian government should heed the call of the thousands of Indians who have signed up to the petition for an Arms Trade Treaty, and hear the cries of those who say that no more innocent people should suffer the consequences of the lack of international regulation on the arms trade.

In October 2006, at the First Committee of the UN General Assembly, member states will have the opportunity to vote in favour of a resolution to begin negotiations for an Arms Trade Treaty that could help make the world a safer place. India, as an emerging global power with global responsibilities, as well as a victim of illegal weapons, can lead in that change.

This paper presents three reasons why India should support the call for an international Arms Trade Treaty:

1. The Global Principles of the Arms Trade Treaty reflect India’s values and Constitution.
2. Lack of regulation of the ongoing international arms trade is hurting India’s citizens
3. An Arms Trade Treaty would not end India’s arms production or trade in arms but only require good practice by all countries.

Date of original publication: September 2006