Vienna/New Delhi, Dec 6 (Reporter) India has been chosen to Chair the 68th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). This is the first time that India has been named to Chair this important UN body. Ambassador Shambhu S. Kumaran, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN offices in Vienna, officially assumed the chairmanship of the prestigious UN forum today. The CND is the principal policy-making body of the UN on drug related matters. It is mandated to monitor global drug trends, support member states in formulating balanced policies, and oversee implementation of the major international drug conventions. The CND is one of the functional commissions of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and a governing body of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) which is headquartered in Vienna, a statement said. The appointment reinforces India’s growing leadership role on the global stage and its commitment to addressing international issues through established multilateral mechanisms. 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 ongoing work of the CND to foster dialogue and understanding on drug policy issues, and especially to integrate concerns of emerging economies with the priorities of developed nations to promote holistic and balanced approaches to this key issue, the statement said...////...