New Delhi, Jul 3: The 23rd Regional Meeting of National Authorities of States Parties in Asia to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) opened in New Delhi this week, bringing together 38 delegates from 24 Asian nations to deepen regional cooperation and build capacity for effective implementation of the global treaty that bans chemical weapons.
Organised by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and hosted by India’s National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), the three-day meeting began on July 1 at Vanijya Bhawan. Senior officials from the OPCW, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Cabinet Secretariat were present at the inaugural session, alongside representatives from countries across Asia and the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD).
In his remarks, an OPCW official highlighted the importance of such regional engagements, calling them “vital to sharing knowledge, overcoming national implementation challenges, and enhancing cooperation.” The sessions focused on legislative frameworks, chemical safety and security, industry engagement, and the potential role of artificial intelligence in future compliance mechanisms.
India, an original signatory to the CWC since it came into force in 1997, plays a key role in the implementation of the Convention in the region. “Through NACWC, India continues to demonstrate its commitment to global disarmament and chemical weapons non-proliferation.”
The OPCW, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its efforts to eliminate chemical weapons globally, currently has 193 Member States. Its annual regional meetings, such as this one, are designed to promote best practices and enhance cooperation among national authorities. Notably, India’s leadership in this domain received international recognition in 2024 when the Indian Chemical Council (ICC), the country’s oldest chemical industry association, became the first industry body globally to be awarded the prestigious OPCW-The Hague Award. The award recognised ICC’s contributions in promoting chemical safety, compliance with the Convention, and improving security practices across India’s chemical sector. “This award is not just an honour for ICC but a moment of pride for the country,” said an official. “It reflects the growing synergy between regulatory bodies and the industry in ensuring the peaceful use of chemicals.”
India also mentored Kenya’s national authority in 2024 under the OPCW’s Mentorship/Partnership Programme, further cementing its status as a regional leader in CWC implementation.
The meeting was attended by 38 delegates from 24 States Parties (countries) from the Asia region including Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Cambodia, Iraq, India, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Myanmar, Maldives, Philippines, Oman, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam along with officials from the OPCW and the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD).
The ongoing regional meeting provides a platform for participating countries to discuss the integration of UN Security Council Resolution 1540 with CWC obligations and to explore avenues for further mentorship and technical support. As the discussions continue, delegates are expected to formulate actionable outcomes that reinforce regional implementation and compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention and to strengthen networks that uphold international peace and chemical disarmament.
