India Assumes Presidency of Conference on Disarmament After 11 Years: A Strategic Milestone

Geneva:  In a significant diplomatic achievement, India is set to assume the presidency of the Conference on Disarmament (CD) in January/February 2024, marking its return to this pivotal role after an 11-year hiatus.

India takes over the presidency from Hungary and will pave the way for successive presidencies by Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, and Israel.

The Conference on Disarmament serves as a central element in the disarmament machinery, playing a crucial role in negotiating arms control treaties. The current focus of CD encompasses key global issues, including Nuclear Disarmament, Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT), Outer Space discussions, Negative Security Assurances, New Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs), Radiological Weapons, and Transparency in Armaments.

Notably, the CD boasts a membership of 65 militarily-significant states, emphasizing its global importance in shaping discussions around disarmament and arms control.

India’s assumption of the presidency comes at a critical juncture amid major geopolitical stresses, underlining the nation’s commitment to playing a proactive role in fostering international cooperation and dialogue on disarmament issues.

This development reinforces India’s standing in the global diplomatic arena, signaling its dedication to addressing pressing global challenges related to arms control and disarmament.