Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Trains Experts from 31 Countries, Including India, to Boost Global Chemical Safety
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Institutions: OPCW | Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has concluded its 2025 Associate Programme, training scientists, engineers, and regulatory officials from 31 developing and transitioning economies, including India, in chemical safety, industry operations, and compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
Over nine weeks, participants completed academic coursework at the University of Surrey (UK) and gained hands-on experience through industrial placements at 17 chemical facilities in 15 countries. The cohort conducted 16 research projects on topics ranging from industrial safety management to dual-use chemical regulation. The OPCW encouraged these trained professionals to act as “force multipliers”, transferring knowledge to strengthen safety and regulatory capacity in their home countries.
For India, one of the world’s largest producers of chemicals and pharmaceuticals, participation in the OPCW Associate Programme strengthens domestic industrial safety standards, non-proliferation compliance, and global chemical governance capacity. It also supports national objectives under India’s Chemical Weapons Convention Act (2000) and enhances readiness for cross-border regulatory cooperation, vital for a sector deeply tied to trade and security.
What is the OPCW?→ The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is the implementing body of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), overseeing the global elimination of chemical weapons and promoting safe, peaceful chemical industry practices among its 193 member states.
What is the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)? → A multilateral disarmament treaty prohibiting the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons, and mandating their destruction under international verification. India was among the first signatories and a founding member of the OPCW.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
Can India leverage OPCW-trained experts to build a national network for continuous chemical safety training, industry audits, and dual-use risk management?
Follow the full news here: OPCW Press Release October 2025