India’s envoy to the UN reiterated the need for an impartial and objective investigation into any alleged use of chemical weapons by Syria

India on Wednesday called for a continued engagement and cooperation between Syria and the UN-backed Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) towards an early resolution of all outstanding issues.

Speaking at a virtual discussion in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), India’s Deputy Permanent Representative-Political Coordinator to the UN, R. Ravindra stated New Delhi’s consistent call for the need for an impartial and objective investigation into any alleged use of chemical weapons.

“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," he said.

India attaches high importance to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), he pointed out.

He added that India remains concerned about the possibility of dangerous weapons falling into the hands of terrorist organizations and individuals.

Citing reports of the resurgence of ISIS in the region, he argued that the world cannot afford to give sanctuary to terrorists or dilute its fight against terrorism.

“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,” Ravindra said.

India’s Deputy Permanent Representative-Political Coordinator to the UN reaffirmed India’s contribution towards Syria’s return to normalcy and rebuilding of the West Asian country through humanitarian assistance and human resource development.

He also pledged support in jointly working with humanitarian relief agencies in devising a suitable vaccination relief programme for the country and the West Asia as a whole.