India's action in conducting three underground nuclear
tests is an ill-judged step which could have most damaging consequences
for security in South Asia and globally.
Australia has a direct security interest in preventing the proliferation
of nuclear weapons. The Indian tests are in flagrant defiance of the
international community's strong support for nuclear non-proliferation
and opposition to nuclear testing. To date, 186 countries are party
to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and 149 countries have signed
the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.
India's neighbours will naturally be concerned about the tests
but a nuclear arms race is not the way to address the issue of maintaining
stability in South Asia. The Government urges them not to respond
in ways which would further destabilise security in the region.
The Foreign Minister has called in the Indian High Commissioner today
to convey our condemnation of the tests in the strongest possible
terms. The same message will be registered by our High Commission
in New Delhi.
The government is recalling our High Commissioner from New Delhi for
consultations. Further action will be decided in light of those consultations
and discussions with other countries which share our concern.
12 May 1998