UNSC meeting on Syria (Chemical weapons)

(Tuesday, 5 January 2021; 1000 hrs)   

India Statement

I would like to thank Under Secretary General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu for her briefing.   

2.​ India appreciates the commitment of the OPCW Technical Secretariat in performing its  responsibilities during these challenging times of the pandemic. We have taken note of the findings mentioned in the  two recent reports of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission in Syria.

3. We have also taken note that OPCW is in the process of analyzing the information collected from its most recent deployments for cases related to the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria. We note with satisfaction that three issues relating to Syria’s initial declaration have been resolved during the last six months. 

4. We encourage continued engagement and cooperation between Syria and the OPCW Technical Secretariat towards an early resolution of all outstanding issues. India has provided a financial contribution of US$ one million to the OPCW Trust Fund for activities relating to destruction of chemical stockpiles and related facilities in Syria.

5.​ India attaches high importance to the Chemical Weapons Convention, which is a unique, non-discriminatory disarmament instrument and serves as a model for the elimination of an entire category of weapons of mass destruction. India has been firmly opposed to any use of chemical weapons anywhere, at any time, by anybody, and under any circumstances. We strongly condemn the use of chemical weapons ; and there can be no justification for their use.

6.​ With regard to allegations of use of chemical weapons in Syria and investigations conducted in this regard, India has consistently underlined the need for an impartial and objective investigation into any alleged use of chemical weapons, scrupulously following the provisions and procedures laid down in the Convention. Any concerns should be addressed on the basis of consultation among all concerned parties . In our view, politicization of the issue is neither helpful nor productive.

7. Mr. President, India remains concerned about the possibility of such weapons falling into the hands of terrorist organizations and individuals. Terrorist groups have taken advantage of the decade long conflict in Syria to entrench themselves posing a threat to the entire region. The world cannot afford to give these terrorists any sanctuary or dilute its fight against these terrorist groups.

8. India has consistently called for a comprehensive and peaceful resolution of the Syrian conflict through a Syrian-led dialogue, taking into account the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria. We have also contributed to the return of normalcy and rebuilding of Syria through humanitarian assistance and  human resource development.

9. We also remain supportive of both the Geneva and the Astana processes for an expeditious resolution of conflict in Syria.

I thank you, Mr. President.