The Government of India, in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), is organizing the first-ever Capacity Building Programme of its kind on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 and Strategic Trade Controls for Asia-Pacific Countries at National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics, Palasamudram from 25-27 February 2025.

"24 government experts from 8 countries in the region, viz. Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Iraq, Lao PDR, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand are participating in the programme," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Speakers and experts from the UNSC 1540 Committee and UNODA; India's Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention, Department of Biotechnology, Directorate General of Foreign Trade, and Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division of the Ministry of External Affairs; and Indian industry, will be sharing their implementation experiences and best practices on relevant aspects of the UNSC Resolution 1540 and Strategic Trade Controls.

The MEA said the flagship programme is a reaffirmation of India's robust credentials on non-proliferation and further demonstration of India’s contribution to the international non-proliferation architecture.