India (Commonwealth Union)_ India, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), is hosting the inaugural Capacity Building Programme on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1540 and Strategic Trade Controls for Asia-Pacific States. The program, which began on February 25, is being held at the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics, Palasamudram, and will run until February 27, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement issued on Tuesday. UNSC Resolution 1540, adopted unanimously in April 2004, emphasizes the international threat posed by the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and their delivery systems by non-state actors.
Also read: 50 Years of Elephant Care: How Sri Lanka’s Pinnawala Orphanage Became a Global Icon!
The resolution underscores the need for nations to adopt effective measures to prevent such weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists and other non-state groups. This pioneering capacity-building initiative gathers 24 government experts from eight countries across the Asia-Pacific region, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Iraq, Laos, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. These participants are being trained on the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1540 and strategic trade controls, focusing on strengthening international security frameworks to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction.
Also read: Elon Musk’s Starlink May Be Coming to Bangladesh—Here’s What It Means!
The program features a range of esteemed speakers and experts from key bodies such as the UNSC 1540 Committee and UNODA, as well as representatives from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), the National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention, the Department of Biotechnology, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, and the Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division of India’s Ministry of External Affairs. These experts will share insights on best practices and implementation experiences in relation to the resolution and strategic trade controls. This capacity-building initiative is a significant reaffirmation of India’s leadership in non-proliferation and its dedication to the international non-proliferation architecture.
Also read: Will Pakistan Overtake Asia’s Giants? Minister Predicts Explosive Economic Growth!
India’s robust engagement in multilateral forums related to disarmament and non-proliferation reflects its longstanding commitment to universal and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament and the prevention of the spread of weapons of mass destruction. The Office for Disarmament Affairs plays a crucial role in fostering global disarmament efforts. Through its support for multilateral dialogues, transparency initiatives, and regional disarmament forums, the UNODA aims to achieve general and complete disarmament under strict international control. The ongoing collaboration between India and the UNODA further strengthens these collective efforts, contributing to global peace and security. This capacity-building program not only strengthens India’s position on the world stage but also highlights its continued commitment to the goals of international security and non-proliferation.
