Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)

Prelims: Current events of National and International Importance| International organisations

Why in news?

Recently, Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons held Asia Meeting in New Delhi in 2025.

• Entered into force - 1997
• Objectives - To eliminate an entire category of weapons of mass destruction by prohibiting the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, retention, transfer or use of chemical weapons by States Parties.
• Membership – 193 nations.
• India’s membership – India is an original signatory.
• Role of signatories – States Parties must take the steps necessary to enforce that prohibition in respect of persons (natural or legal) within their jurisdiction.
• Implemented by - Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

Role of India in Elimination Chemical Weapons

• National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) – It is the national authority responsible for implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in India.
• Indian Chemical Council (ICC) -It is India’s oldest Chemical Industry Association works closely with the NACWC for reaching out to industry.
• Recognition to India’s efforts – ICC received the OPWC- The Hague award in 2024, as a co-recipient, for its role in promoting chemical safety, compliance with the Convention, and enhancing industry-wide security practices in India.
• This is the 1^st time globally, that a chemical industry body was honoured with this award.

The ‘OPCW-The Hague Award’ recognizes individuals and organizations that play a significant role in advancing the goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Reference

PIB| Regional Meeting of OPCW in India