Answer

The Russell-Einstein Manifesto (1955) urged global leaders to prioritize peace over nuclear conflict, while India’s Avadi Resolution (1955) emphasized disarmament as a means to ensure world peace. As per SIPRI Report (2023), despite these ideals, modern nuclear disarmament efforts face challenges due to geopolitical tensions and nuclear deterrence doctrines.

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Importance of Russell-Einstein Manifesto and Avadi Resolution

• Nuclear Threat Awareness: The Manifesto and Avadi resolution emphasised the existential threat posed by nuclear weapons, calling for global efforts to prioritise disarmament and humanity’s survival.
  For example: Russell-Einstein’s phrase, “Remember your humanity”, encapsulates the universal need to avert nuclear annihilation.
• Moral and Ethical Standpoint: Both initiatives advocated for ethical responsibility over scientific advancements, urging leaders to prioritize peace over destructive military capabilities.
  For example: Joseph Rotblat’s resignation from the Manhattan Project highlighted moral opposition to nuclear weaponization.
• Focus on Multilateral Action: They stressed global cooperation, urging nations to collectively engage in arms reduction and the prevention of mass destruction.
  For example: The Avadi resolution called for the UN Disarmament Commission to take concrete action.
• Humanitarian Emphasis: By highlighting the catastrophic impact on civilians, they aimed to evoke humanitarian concerns among decision-makers.
  For example: The Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings showcased the devastating consequences of nuclear weapons.
• Vision for a Peaceful Future: Both documents envisioned a world free from the shadow of nuclear war, advocating for a non-violent global order.
  For example: India’s 1988 Action Plan for a Nuclear-Weapon-Free and Non-violent World Order extended this vision with pragmatic global disarmament proposals.

Limited Impact of Resolutions  in the Context of Modern Nuclear Disarmament Efforts

• Limited Enforcement Mechanisms: Neither initiative created enforceable frameworks, leading to limited influence on actual arms reduction treaties.
  For example: Despite awareness, nations like the U.S. and Russia maintain significant nuclear stockpiles.
• Persistent Nuclear Arms Race: Technological advancements have spurred a new arms race, diminishing the symbolic influence of these resolutions.
  For example: The development of hypersonic weapons undermines disarmament efforts.
• Weak Global Consensus: Diverging national interests and geopolitical rivalries have stymied collective action on disarmament.
  For instance: Conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war derail global peace initiatives.
• Proliferation of Non-State Actors: The rise of non-state actors accessing weapons renders past frameworks inadequate, highlighting gaps in implementation.
• Erosion of Arms Control Agreements: Recent treaties like the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) and START Agreement between USA and Russia face challenges, showcasing the symbolic nature of earlier resolutions without binding commitments.
  For example: The U.S.’s withdrawal from the INF Treaty weakened disarmament efforts.

Ways in which India can play Leadership Role in Promoting Peace and Arms Reduction

• Championing a Global Conference: India can host a summit on nuclear disarmament, focusing on strengthening international commitments and addressing emerging threats like AI in warfare.
• Advocating Non-Proliferation Treaties: India could actively advocate reform in non-proliferation regimes like the NPT, ensuring equitable representation and accountability for all nations.
• Promoting Regional Stability: India can mediate nuclear risk reduction in volatile regions, including South Asia and theWeest Asia.
  For example: India’s neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict showcases its mediatory potential.
• Strengthening AI Regulations: India should push for global norms to prevent AI-driven escalation in nuclear command systems.
  For example: Collaborating with G20 nations, India can spearhead ethical AI use in defense.
• Enhancing Public Awareness: India can lead global campaigns emphasizing the humanitarian impacts of nuclear weapons to galvanize public and political will for disarmament.
  For example: Cultural initiatives like documentaries or exhibitions can highlight Hiroshima’s lessons globally.

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India can leverage its non-aligned stance and advocacy for universal nuclear disarmament (UNGA Resolution 68/32) to lead global efforts. Proposing frameworks like ‘No First Use’ treaties, confidence-building measures, and technology sharing for peaceful uses can strengthen its position. By combining moral authority and diplomatic initiatives, India can champion global peace and arms reduction effectively.

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