We are conscious that global nuclear disarmament lies at the end of a long and arduous process, but a beginning can be made in this forum if a subsidiary body would start consultations on specific measures that have the potential to command consensus, leading we hope to a mandate on negotiations, such as the one proposed by the G21 in document CD/1571. India is convinced that the goal of nuclear disarmament can be achieved through a step-by-step process underwritten by a universal commitment and an agreed multilateral framework that is global and non-discriminatory. There is a 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.