India demands ban on chemical weapons at UNSC

India attaches high importance to the non-discriminatory implementation of the chemical weapons convention and stands for its full, effective, and non-discriminatory implementation, said Indian envoy to the UN.

"We note the consistent lack of progress on this track of discussions on Syria in the council India attaches high importance to the Chemical Weapons Convention and stands for its full, effective, and non-discriminatory implementation," said Ambassador R Ravindra, Deputy Permanent Representative at United Nations Security Council meeting on Syria (Chemical Weapons).

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

"We have repeatedly cautioned against the possibility of terrorist entities and individuals gaining terrorist access to chemical weapons including in the region, therefore any use of chemical weapons needs to be dealt with the utmost attention. We have noted the concerns expressed by the OPCW Technical Secretariat with regard to Syria's fulfilment of obligations under the Chemical weapons convention and we hope that it will take the right steps to address those concerns."

Calling for a long-term solution to the Syrian conflict, India at UNSC said the global fight against terrorism cannot and should not be compromised for narrow political games.

During a UNSC meeting earlier on Syria's political and humanitarian situation, Ambassador R Ravindra at the UN said, "The global fight against terrorism cannot and should not be compromised for narrow political games. The international community should also display zero tolerance towards terrorism."

(ANI)