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).
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Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
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- Formed in – 1997
- Headquarters – The Hague, Netherlands
- Objectives – To implement the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and to oversee the global endeavour to permanently and verifiably eliminate chemical weapons.
- Activities – It organises regional meetings of National Authorities annually to support implementation of the Convention through capacity building of National Authorities.
- This interaction fosters bilateral and regional cooperation and bolster networks among National Authorities.
- Recognition – It was awarded the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.
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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 1st 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
