Two women Armament Training Instructors from the Indian Army made a significant contribution to a recent Informal Regional meeting on the Global Framework for Through-life Conventional Ammunition Management in the Asia-Pacific region. This pivotal event was organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and its Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific (UNRCPD), in collaboration with Nepal’s ministry of foreign affairs, and received financial support from Germany. The gathering took place over two days in Kathmandu.
The United Nations has highlighted the critical nature of proper ammunition management, noting that inadequate practices can lead to increased insecurity. According to a statement from the UN, “the diversion, illicit trafficking and misuse of conventional ammunition, including small arms and light weapons ammunition, has been a catalyst for armed conflict, pervasive violence, and acts of crime and terrorism.” The misuse of diverted ammunition often includes its appropriation by non-state actors for the crafting of improvised explosive devices, further exacerbating security concerns.
In December 2023, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Global Framework, which seeks to address these pressing issues. The recent regional meeting served to heighten awareness about this comprehensive solution and the political commitments it entails.
The Indian Army representatives engaged in proactive discussions on various essential topics related to the implementation of the Global Framework. Their contributions focused on through-life sustainability, the safety and security of conventional ammunition, as well as the critical needs for training and capacity building within this domain. Their involvement underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to reinforcing security measures and enhancing cooperation on conventional ammunition management in the region.
