India to Chair UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs for the first time

India has been chosen to Chair the 68th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna, Shambhu Kumaran officially assumed the Chairmanship of CND yesterday.

The CND is the principal policy-making body of the United Nations on drug-related matters. It is mandated to monitor global drug trends, support Member States in formulating balanced policies, and oversee the implementation of the major international drug conventions.

This is the first time that India has been



named to Chair this important UN body. This reinforces India’s growing leadership role on the global stage and its commitment to addressing international issues through established multilateral mechanisms.

As Chair, India will be expected to articulate the interests of the Global South in line with its role in promoting interests and perspectives of developing nations in global discussions. India would also strive to build on the ongoing work of the CND to foster dialogue and understanding on drug policy issues.