Progressive steps needed to de-legitimise N-weapons: PM

NEW DELHI: Pitching for "progressive steps" to de-legitimise nuclear weapons, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said a meaningful dialogue was needed among countries having atomic weapons to build trust and reduce the dangers of their accidental or unauthorised use.

In his message to the 'Global Zero Summit' in London being held from today, he said the goal of nuclear disarmament can be achieved by a step-by-step process underwritten by a universal commitment and an agreed multilateral framework that is global and non-discriminatory.

"Progressive steps are needed for the de-legitimization of nuclear weapons. Measures to reduce nuclear dangers arising from accidental or unauthorized use of nuclear weapons, increasing restraints on the use of nuclear weapons and de-alerting of nuclear weapons are essential steps," he said.

"There is need for a meaningful dialogue among all states possessing nuclear weapons to build trust and confidence and for reducing the salience of nuclear weapons in international affairs and security doctrines," Singh said.

Extending his best wishes for the success of the conference, he said "this campaign can be taken forward by forging a renewed consensus on non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament."

He said public awareness and support was vital to generate and sustain "an irreversible momentum until we reach our cherished goal of a world without nuclear weapons. Transforming this vision into reality is a task worthy" of the participants of the Global Zero Campaign.