Briefly explain India’s peace movement and disarmament policy.

India's Peace Movement and Disarmament Policy

1. Historical Context:**

• India's commitment to peace and disarmament is rooted in its historical struggle for independence led by Mahatma Gandhi, who advocated non-violence and peaceful resistance.

2. Non-Aligned Movement (NAM):**

• As a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1961, India positioned itself as an advocate for peace, neutrality, and the rejection of alignment with any major power bloc during the Cold War.

3. Nuclear Disarmament Advocacy:**

• India has consistently advocated for global nuclear disarmament. This commitment is reflected in its initiatives at international forums, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and non-discriminatory disarmament.

4. Nuclear Tests and Strategic Restraint:**

• India conducted nuclear tests in 1974 and 1998. Despite possessing nuclear capabilities, India has maintained a policy of strategic restraint, emphasizing a "no-first-use" doctrine and advocating for global nuclear disarmament.

5. UN Peacekeeping Contributions:**

• India has been a major contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining international peace and security. Indian peacekeeping forces have participated in numerous missions worldwide.

6. Global Disarmament Initiatives:**

• India actively participates in global disarmament initiatives and conferences, advocating for the reduction of conventional arms, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the elimination of nuclear weapons.

7. Biological and Chemical Weapons:**

• India has consistently supported efforts to prevent the use and spread of biological and chemical weapons. It adheres to international conventions such as the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).

8. Arms Control Measures:**

• India engages in arms control measures to promote regional stability. Bilateral agreements, confidence-building measures, and dialogues with neighboring countries are pursued to address concerns related to conventional weapons.

9. Regional Disarmament Efforts:**

• India actively participates in regional forums to address disarmament issues. Engagements with South Asian countries aim to foster cooperation, build confidence, and reduce the risk of arms proliferation in the region.

10. Cyber Security and Disarmament:**

• In the contemporary context, India recognizes the importance of addressing cyber threats to global security. It advocates for international cooperation and norms to ensure cyber stability and prevent the militarization of cyberspace.

11. Space Security:**

• India supports efforts to prevent the weaponization of outer space. It advocates for the prevention of the deployment of weapons in space and emphasizes the peaceful use of space for the benefit of all nations.

12. Conclusion:**

• India's peace movement and disarmament policy reflect a commitment to Gandhian principles of non-violence and global stability. Despite possessing nuclear capabilities, India advocates for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons and actively engages in international efforts to address the challenges posed by conventional arms, biological and chemical weapons, cyber threats, and space security. Through its consistent advocacy and contributions to peacekeeping missions, India plays a constructive role in advancing the cause of disarmament on the global stage.