The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), in collaboration with the National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), Government of India, hosted the 23rd Regional Meeting of National Authorities of States Parties in Asia from 1st to 3rd July 2025 in New Delhi.
This important gathering took place at Vanijya Bhawan and brought together 38 delegates from 24 Asian countries including Australia, China, Japan, Indonesia, Iraq, UAE, Bangladesh, and others. Representatives from OPCW, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament (UNRCPD), and Indian ministries were also present.
The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which came into force in 1997, is implemented globally by the OPCW to eliminate chemical weapons permanently and verifiably. India is an original signatory of the Convention, with NACWC as its designated authority.
India’s active role was highlighted through its mentorship of Kenya’s National Authority in 2024 under the OPCW Mentorship Programme, and its close collaboration with the Indian Chemical Council (ICC). Notably, ICC was the first industry body globally to win the prestigious OPCW–The Hague Award in 2024 for advancing chemical safety and security.
The three-day meeting fostered dialogue on national implementation practices, shared experiences, and addressed regional challenges. Discussions ranged from legal frameworks and chemical security to industry engagement and the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence in chemical weapons regulation.
The OPCW also provided updates on cooperation with the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 and outlined future directions for its Mentorship Partnership Programmes.
This regional meeting is expected to deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation and boost Asia’s collective ability to uphold and implement the Chemical Weapons Convention more effectively.
Source: Press Information Bureau
