India has urged the international community to remain vigilant about the transfer of sensitive and dual-use technologies, warning of the risk of weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of terrorists and non-state actors. The remarks appeared to be an indirect reference to Pakistan and its history of nuclear proliferation.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly First Committee, which deals with disarmament and international security, Lok Sabha MP Alok Kumar Suman delivered India's statement on Monday, highlighting the threat posed by terrorism to global security.

"Terrorism remains a major challenge to international security. India is deeply concerned about the risk of weapons of mass destruction falling into the hands of terrorists and non-state actors," Suman said.

"We encourage all Member States to remain vigilant about the transfer of dual-use and sensitive technology, particularly to those with a record of proliferation or linked to terrorism," he added.

The remarks appeared to allude to Pakistan and the international nuclear proliferation network led by Pakistani nuclear physicist A Q Khan, widely regarded as the father of Pakistan's nuclear bomb. Khan headed an extensive network involved in the proliferation of nuclear equipment and expertise.

The US State Department has described the network as providing a "'one-stop shopping' for countries seeking to develop nuclear weapons".

Suman is part of the second cohort of Indian parliamentarians visiting the United Nations headquarters for a familiarisation programme. During the visit, the MPs are scheduled to participate in a range of engagements and meet senior UN officials, diplomats and members of the Indian diaspora.

Highlighting India's efforts to prevent terrorists from obtaining weapons of mass destruction, Suman noted that the country has been tabling a resolution titled 'Measures to prevent terrorists from acquiring weapons of mass destruction' at the United Nations since 2002.

India also reaffirmed its commitment to the full, effective and non-discriminatory implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological Weapons Convention.

The statement underscores India's continued emphasis on preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and restricting access to sensitive technologies that could be exploited by terrorist groups and other non-state actors. (PTI)