India at UNSC Highlights Impact of Cross Border Terrorism, Illicit Arms Trafficking

United Nations, Nov 11 — India has called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards countries and entities that facilitate cross border terrorism and illicit arms trafficking. Addressing an open debate on “Small Arms and Light Weapons” on Monday, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, said the country has long suffered from terrorism enabled by weapons smuggled across its borders — a pointed reference to Pakistan.
“India has fought the scourge of terrorism for several decades and is fully aware of the dangers posed by the diversion and illicit transfer of small arms and ammunition to armed non-state actors and terrorist groups,” Harish said.
He emphasised that the recent surge in the volume and sophistication of such weapons underscores that these terror groups cannot sustain themselves without external support, funding, and facilitation. “India has suffered due to cross-border terrorism carried out using illicit weapons trafficked across our borders, including now through the use of drones,” he added.
The envoy’s remarks came just hours after a powerful explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort killed nine people and injured several others, underscoring the persistent threat posed by terrorism and illegal weapons flows.
Harish noted that illicit arms trafficking continues to sustain terror organisations and armed groups globally, urging the UNSC to ensure consistent and non-selective implementation of arms embargoes in conflict zones. “The Security Council must uphold a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism in all its forms and against those who facilitate or enable such activities,” he stressed.
India outlined several measures for effective control of small arms, including strong national legislation, border management, data-driven tracing systems, and enhanced stockpile security. Harish also called for deeper international cooperation to disrupt trafficking networks and strengthen intelligence-sharing among nations.
Citing the UN Secretary-General’s report on small arms, Harish said porous borders, weak stockpile management, and sophisticated trafficking networks continue to enable the spread of illegal weapons. He reiterated India’s commitment to implementing the UN Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument to curb the global flow of illicit arms.
“India remains steadfast in its efforts to prevent the misuse of small arms and light weapons by terrorist groups and will continue contributing to the global fight against terrorism,” Harish concluded.