♦ India was 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 on 6 December 2024.

♦ 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. 

♦ 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.