India has been appointed to chair the 68th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), with Shambhu Kumaran, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna, assuming the chairmanship on December 6, 2024. This marks the first time India has chaired this UN body, which is responsible for monitoring global drug trends, supporting balanced policies, and overseeing international drug conventions.
India’s leadership reflects its growing global influence and commitment to addressing international challenges through multilateral platforms. As Chair, India will prioritize representing the Global South’s interests and fostering dialogue on drug policy issues while continuing the CND’s ongoing work.
