NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council meeting at ministerial level – Luxembourg, 28 May 1998
We, the NATO Allies and Russia, members of the Permanent Joint Council, condemn the nuclear tests conducted by India and Pakistan. We are deeply concerned and dismayed by this developing regional nuclear arms race in South Asia.
We urge Pakistan and India to refrain from further tests and the deployment of nuclear weapons or ballistic missiles, in order to prevent the escalation of tensions and a nuclear arms race. It is increasingly urgent that both India and Pakistan adhere unconditionally to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and enter into negotiations on a global treaty to stop the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons. We further urge India and Pakistan to engage in a dialogue which addresses the root causes of the tension between them, and to try to build confidence, rather than seek confrontation.
The relations of India and Pakistan with each of us have been affected negatively by these developments. We are making this clear to both governments in our own direct exchanges and dealings with them, and we call upon other states similarly concerned about these developments and their impact on regional and worldwide security and stability to make their concerns known also to the two governments.
In keeping with our commitment under the Founding Act, NATO and Russia will continue to consult and cooperate together in an effort to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and their delivery means.
