India signs UN convention on torture

India has signed a United Nations convention against torture, pledging to make it a crime under the Indian law.

Countries that sign the agreement, called the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, are obliged to submit reports to the United Nations on measures they have taken to implement the convention.

Ambassador Kamalesh Sharma signed the 1984 convention on Wednesday, according to a statement from India's permanent mission to the United Nations.

''This marks an important milestone in the process of India's continued commitment to fundamental and human rights of all persons,'' the statement said, adding that ratification of the convention was to follow.

UNI