What is the story about?
Senior Indian diplomat DB Venkatesh Varma has been nominated by the UN Secretary General to chair the Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters for the 2026–27 term, marking the first time an Indian will hold the position. Established in 1978, the board has previously included Indian diplomats as members, but the chair has never before been held by an Indian national.
Varma is widely regarded as one of India’s leading experts on disarmament and Russia and has served in key roles, including at the Prime Minister’s Office, where he was involved during negotiations for the India–US nuclear deal.
He later served as India’s ambassador to Russia, steering bilateral ties through a critical phase that included the Covid-era coordination between Indian and Russian agencies, as well as the launch of India’s Act Far East policy from Vladivostok in 2019.
The Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters was established in 1978 pursuant to paragraph 124 of the Final Document of the Tenth Special Session of the General Assembly.
The Board advises the Secretary-General on issues related to arms limitation and disarmament, including studies and research carried out under the auspices of the United Nations or institutions within the UN system.
In addition to its advisory role, the Board serves as the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research. It also advises the Secretary General on the implementation of the United Nations Disarmament Information Programme.
Members of the Advisory Board are chosen by the Secretary General from all regions of the world based on their knowledge and experience in disarmament and international security. The Board comprises fifteen members, with the Director of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research serving as an ex officio member.
Varma is widely regarded as one of India’s leading experts on disarmament and Russia and has served in key roles, including at the Prime Minister’s Office, where he was involved during negotiations for the India–US nuclear deal.
He later served as India’s ambassador to Russia, steering bilateral ties through a critical phase that included the Covid-era coordination between Indian and Russian agencies, as well as the launch of India’s Act Far East policy from Vladivostok in 2019.
Advisory Board on Disarmament
The Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters was established in 1978 pursuant to paragraph 124 of the Final Document of the Tenth Special Session of the General Assembly.
The Board advises the Secretary-General on issues related to arms limitation and disarmament, including studies and research carried out under the auspices of the United Nations or institutions within the UN system.
In addition to its advisory role, the Board serves as the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research. It also advises the Secretary General on the implementation of the United Nations Disarmament Information Programme.
Members of the Advisory Board are chosen by the Secretary General from all regions of the world based on their knowledge and experience in disarmament and international security. The Board comprises fifteen members, with the Director of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research serving as an ex officio member.
