The Government of India, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), has launched a three-day Capacity Building Programme on United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1540 and Strategic Trade Controls for Asia-Pacific countries. The programme is being hosted at the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN), Palasamudram, from February 25 to 27, 2025.
1️⃣ Strengthening Non-Proliferation and Trade Control Measures
The initiative marks a significant milestone in advancing regional cooperation on non-proliferation and strategic trade controls, reinforcing India’s leadership in global security and trade regulation. The programme brings together 24 government experts from 8 Asia-Pacific nations, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Iraq, Lao PDR, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
2️⃣ Expert-Led Discussions and Knowledge Sharing
The event features renowned speakers and experts from various organizations, including:
✅ UNODA and UNSC 1540 Committee – Sharing global best practices and compliance strategies.
✅ Indian Government Agencies, such as:
🔹 Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) – Insights on customs enforcement.
🔹 National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention – Addressing chemical non-proliferation.
🔹 Department of Biotechnology – Discussing biosecurity frameworks.
🔹 Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) – Trade policy and export controls.
🔹 Disarmament & International Security Affairs Division (MEA) – Diplomatic perspectives on non-proliferation.
✅ Indian Industry Experts – Private sector perspectives on compliance and implementation.
The sessions will focus on practical strategies for implementing UNSC Resolution 1540, which mandates all UN member states to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and to establish robust export control mechanisms.
3️⃣ India’s Commitment to Global Non-Proliferation Efforts
India has consistently upheld its commitment to non-proliferation and has played a proactive role in global security architecture. The Capacity Building Programme underscores India’s active participation in international disarmament efforts and its willingness to share expertise in regulatory enforcement, strategic trade controls, and counter-proliferation policies.
Key Highlights of India’s Non-Proliferation Contributions:
🔹 Member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), Wassenaar Arrangement, and Australia Group.
🔹 Adopts stringent export controls aligned with global best practices.
🔹 Advocates for multilateral cooperation in addressing security threats.
4️⃣ Looking Ahead: Enhancing Regional Security Cooperation
By facilitating this high-level engagement, India is fostering regional partnerships and capacity-building initiatives that will help participating countries develop and implement effective trade control frameworks. The programme is expected to strengthen cooperation between governments, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to ensure greater security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.