Chair,

India attaches importance to the Chemical Weapons Convention and supports its full, effective and non-discriminatory implementation. The use of chemical weapons cannot be justified.

We reiterate the importance of impartial & objective investigation process into any alleged use, to establish the facts and reach evidence-based conclusions, which should be done consistent with the provisions of the Convention and respecting the delicate balance of power & responsibilities enshrined therein.

We underline the importance of working together on proposals which garnered broad consensus during the last RevCon, including on adapting the verification & inspection regime to make it ‘fit for the future’, and taking into account the rapid scientific & technological developments that could potentially impact the implementation of the Convention.

Chair,

India reiterates the importance of full & effective implementation of Biological Weapons Convention (BWC).

We have engaged constructively in the ongoing deliberations in the Working Group to strengthen the convention in all its aspects. India has underlined the importance of further deliberations on enhancing compliance within BWC in a comprehensive manner. We believe that the convention must be institutionally strengthened including through the establishment of mechanisms to facilitate international cooperation & assistance as well as response & preparedness, and to review scientific & technological developments relevant to the Convention, in a systematic and a structured manner.

The financial health of the Convention must be placed on a sustainable footing, by ensuring both stability and predictability of resources.

Chair,

Terrorism is a major challenge to international security, which can potentially endanger the foundation of our societies. India is deeply concerned about the risks that arise from WMDs falling into the hands of non-state actors and terrorists.

India has a comprehensive domestic legislative framework for preventing proliferation of WMDs and their delivery systems, which includes a robust & effective national export control system, including a control list of sensitive material, equipment and technologies, consistent with the highest international standards.

In 2022, India amended the national legislation to include prohibition of financing of any proscribed activity and enable measures to prevent such financing related to WMDs and their delivery systems. In addition, India contributes to global non-proliferation efforts, as a member of the relevant export control regimes.

India underlines the importance of the renewed mandate of the 1540 Committee, which would further strengthen the non-proliferation regime and facilitate addressing the contemporary and evolving challenges related to proliferation.

Chair,

Since 2002, India has been tabling a resolution in the First Committee, under this cluster, titled "Measures to prevent terrorists from acquiring WMDs" which highlights the dangers of the proliferation of WMDs and the potential of their exploitation by terrorists and non-state actors.

India is pleased to note that the resolution was adopted last year without a vote and received the support of around 90 sponsors and co-sponsors. Like last year, we request the continued support of all Member States for this resolution this year.

I thank you.