Rapid Fire
First Indian Appointed to Chair the ABDM
- 15 Jan 2026
- 3 min read
Senior Indian diplomat DB Venkatesh Varma has been nominated by the UN Secretary General to chair the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters (ABDM) for the 2026–27 term.
- The ABDM has earlier included Indian diplomats as members, but 2026 marks the first time an Indian has been appointed as its Chair.
- ABDM: It was established in 1978 following the 10th Special Session of the UN General Assembly.
- It functions as an expert advisory body to the UN Secretary-General on issues related to arms limitation and disarmament.
- Composition: The ABDM consists of 15 members, selected by the Secretary-General from all regions of the world based on their expertise in disarmament and international security.
- The Director of United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) serves as an ex officio member, and the chairpersonship rotates annually by region or discussion theme.
- Working & Sessions: The ABDM meets twice a year, alternating between New York and Geneva.
- Its agenda is framed around requests from the Secretary-General as well as the Board’s own recommendations.
- After each session, the Chair submits a private report to the Secretary-General, who in turn presents an annual report to the UN General Assembly on the Board’s activities.
- Functions: The Board advises the Secretary-General on arms control and disarmament policies, supports research and studies within the UN system, acts as the Board of Trustees of UNIDIR, and guides the UN Disarmament Information Programme, contributing to global peace and security through expert-led cooperation.
| Read more: Nuclear Disarmament: India's Balancing Act |
