UNSC briefing on Syria (Chemical Weapons)

[29 September 2022]

India Remarks [As delivered]

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Thank you Mr. President. I will be brief in my remarks. 

At the outset, I would like to thank Under Secretary General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu for the update. 

2.    We note the consistent lack of progress  on this track of discussions on Syria in the Council.

3.    We continue to encourage sustained engagement between Syria and the OPCW Technical Secretariat to resolve all outstanding issues.

4.    India attaches high importance to the Chemical Weapons Convention and stands for its full, effective, and non-discriminatory implementation. 

5.    India is against the use of chemical weapons by anybody, anywhere, at any time and under any circumstances. India has consistently maintained that any investigation into the use of chemical weapons must be impartial, credible and objective. 

6.    We have repeatedly cautioned against the possibility of terrorist entities and individuals gaining access to chemical weapons, including in the region. Therefore, any allegation of use of chemical weapons needs to be dealt with utmost attention. 

7.    India continues to believe that progress on other tracks would also help in facilitating overall political peace process in Syria, as advocated in UNSCR 2254. I thank you, Mr. President.