India’s Explanation of Vote (POST VOTING): Other WMD Cluster - 78th UNGA First Committee, UNHQ, New York, October 2023

India’s Explanation of Vote (POST VOTING)

OTHER WMD Cluster

78th UNGA First Committee, UNHQ, New York, October 2023

L.14 Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction

India has been supporting the draft resolution L.14 on “Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction” given the high importance that India attaches to the CWC and all its provisions to address concerns regarding the alleged use of chemical weapons.

India has always maintained that any use of chemical weapons is in complete disregard of humanity, is reprehensible and contrary to the provisions of the CWC as well as accepted international norms. India is against the use of chemical weapons anywhere, at any time, by anybody, and under any circumstances.

India attaches great importance to upholding the integrity of the CWC and to avoiding politicization of the issues. With regard to any allegations of use and consequent measures in this regard, we believe that the provisions and procedures laid down in the Convention should be strictly adhered to by the OPCW and the concerns should be addressed on the basis of cooperation among all parties concerned.

This resolution traditionally used to receive consensus support. However, it is a matter of regret that the consensus nature has been negatively affected due to inclusion of some contentious issues in its operative part. We hope that this will change for the better in the future.