New Delhi, June 16 (IANS) India has acceded to the International Convention for Suppression Of Acts Of Nuclear Terrorism, with the cabinet Friday giving its approval for signing and ratifying it.
"It is the first terrorism convention adopted since the terrorist attacks of Sep 11, 2001, in New York," Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters after a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The convention was opened for signature at the UN headquarters in New York from Sep 14, 2005, and will remain open up to Dec 31, 2006. The UN General Assembly adopted it April 13, 2005.
"This convention will strengthen the international legal framework to combat terrorism," Mukherjee said.
"It will provide the legal basis for international cooperation in the investigation, prosecution and extradition of those who commit terrorist acts involving radioactive material or a nuclear device," he added. The convention applies to acts committed by individuals.
Within the meaning of the convention, any person commits an offence if that person possesses radioactive material or makes or possesses a device with an intent to cause death or serious bodily injury or substantial damage to property or to the environment.
The convention does not apply to the activities of the armed forces during an armed conflict, which are governed by international humanitarian law.
India is already a party to 12 international terrorism conventions and protocols.
"By signing and ratifying this convention, India will strengthen its credentials as a responsible partner in the fight against terrorism," the defence minister said.
"The convention does not apply where the offence is committed within a single state, the alleged offender and the victims are nationals of that state, and no other state has a basis to exercise jurisdiction."