OPCW and India Host 23rd Asia Regional Meeting in New Delhi to Strengthen Global Chemical Weapons Convention Compliance
New Delhi – In a significant step towards reinforcing global chemical disarmament and non-proliferation efforts, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), in close collaboration with India’s National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), successfully hosted the 23rd Regional Meeting of National Authorities of States Parties in Asia.
The high-level gathering took place from July 1 to 3 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, and witnessed active participation from senior OPCW officials, international representatives from across the Asian region, and delegates from India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Cabinet Secretariat.
The event marked another milestone in the OPCW’s ongoing mission to promote the full, effective, and timely implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which entered into force in 1997 and currently boasts 193 member states.
The Convention aims to ensure the verifiable and permanent elimination of chemical weapons worldwide, a goal for which the OPCW was honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013.
India’s Leadership in Chemical Weapons Disarmament
India, being an original signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention, has been a leading voice in promoting its implementation and compliance across the region.
The National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), which oversees domestic implementation of the CWC, has played a proactive role in supporting global cooperation.
Notably, under the OPCW Mentorship/Partnership Programme, India recently extended its expertise to Kenya, assisting its national authority in strengthening implementation mechanisms and compliance infrastructure.
Global Recognition for the Indian Chemical Industry
India’s chemical industry too received international recognition during the year. The Indian Chemical Council (ICC), the country’s oldest and most respected chemical industry association, was honoured with the OPCW–The Hague Award in 2024.
This marked a historic moment, as the ICC became the first-ever chemical industry body in the world to receive this prestigious accolade.
The award recognized ICC’s outstanding contributions towards promoting chemical safety, regulatory compliance, and fostering a culture of responsibility and transparency within India’s vast and diverse chemical sector.
Focus Areas and Regional Participation
The 2024 regional meeting in New Delhi provided a unique platform for 38 senior delegates from 24 Asian countries to engage in meaningful discussions, share national experiences, and exchange innovative solutions.
Participating nations included Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and several others, underscoring the Asia-Pacific region’s commitment to chemical weapons non-proliferation.
Key issues discussed at the meeting included:
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Strengthening legislative and regulatory frameworks for the CWC’s implementation
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Enhancing chemical safety and security protocols
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Deepening the role of industry stakeholders in national compliance structures
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Exploring the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in chemical weapons monitoring and compliance verification
